February 13th

Scripture - Matthew 26

Observe It - Jesus, sitting down with his disciples signified that the time for him to be handed over to the authorities had come. He was also the ultimate Passover lamb; he was about die on the cross for our sins. There would now be a new redemption set in place. Because of his sacrifice we no longer have to make animal sacrifices. Through Jesus Christ we have connection to Father God that man didn’t have before this time. He was also absolving what Adam and Eve had done in the Garden of Eden. Now, all humankind has to do is to ask Jesus into their hearts and minds and ask for forgiveness of their sins. Such a simple step to take to live in the joy and freedom that God created for all of us!

Apply It - That first step towards salvation can be scary! We are not promised that our lives will not be suddenly easier or better. In fact, our lives may become harder because Satan does all that he can to take us out and lead us back to the lives we once knew. Our salvation has been paid for once and for all by Christ. However, we are constantly on the journey of Christ working his way into our lives. It is a constant, daily journey. But, the more we get to know our Savior, the more we learn how to battle our flesh, minds, and Satan. We are able to stand more victorious!!!

Prayer - God, thank you for sending your only son to die for my sins. Because of what Christ did, I am able to step into freedom. I ask you that if there’s something that I need to deal with, that you would reveal that to me. In Your name, Amen.

February 12th

Scripture - Matthew 25

Observe It - Here Jesus uses a Jewish tradition in reference to be ready for his return one day. He warns believers that no human will know when Jesus will return. Until he returns, prepare yourself for when that day comes. We should be filled with the Holy Spirit to help us as we serve God’s people. Be ready. The price for failing to be ready is too high. There will be a day that some people will not be able to accept Jesus anymore. Once the door is shut, that’s it. 

Jesus also uses another parable involving talents. He gives talents (amounts of money) to three servants. Two of them did something wise with the money and made more use out of it, while another one hid it away. The first two did something with the money they were given, while the last person simply hid it. If we do something with what God has entrusted us with, he will expand it.

Apply It - Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If not, what are you waiting for? Today is the day to take the leap and ask Jesus into your heart and life. Do you use what God gave you wisely, or do you hide it away? Whatever gifts God has given you, you should use to the best of your abilities. God will honor you in the small and big.

Prayer - Father, I ask that you forgive my sins and come into my life. I don’t want to hold back anymore. I want to live a life with you by my side. I also want to discover the gifts that you have placed in my life. Help me to step out in the giftings you have for me. In your name, Amen.

February 11th

Scripture - Matthew 24

Observe it - Here we see Jesus talking with his disciples about the temple. All they see is the beauty and splendor of the temple, but Jesus grieves because he tells them that soon the temple will be destroyed. At the same time, they coax Jesus in trying to tell them when he will be on earth again. Jesus points out that no man shall know, but that we should live each day like it is our last. He also warns them that many will come claiming that the end times is near. False prophets will preach in his name. Jesus knew the persecution that would await his disciples once he ascended to heaven. He was trying to help them to be strong in this time. He encouraged them to keep their eyes focused on him.

Apply It - Over the course of history, we have had many claims that the world was coming to an end. Many people have been severely disappointed and from those moments people gave up on God. Instead of us focusing on our surroundings or a date, we should always line our eyes up with God’s will for us right here today. When we are focused on him and his kingdom, we won’t be caught up in worrying about the future. We should live each day like it’s our last. 

Prayer - Father, I want to always keep my eyes focused on you. I know that many come preaching ways other than your way. I know these to be false teachers. Help my heart to stay strong, may my trust remain in you and my mind become sharpened through your word. In your name, Amen.

February 10th

Scripture - Matthew 23

Observe It - Even though the Pharisees did not like what Jesus preached and tried again and again to have him arrested, he told his disciples and all that would listen that because they held a high authority position, they should be respected at all times because God placed them there in that position. They were a people that expected people to hold the laws in place and follow them to a tee, but they themselves sat back and watched and did not lead by example. They had a very strong, religious spirit about them. They coveted titles and positions and adored praise given by the people. Their hearts were not in a good place. Jesus asks that those who follow him should learn to love, serve, and honor others. We also make God’s word most important in our lives, the religious leaders did not do that. They made traditions and rules of utmost importance. 

Apply It - Can you relate a bit to the Pharisees? They adored praise from those around them. To them, their religion was on display for all to see and to them it mattered who noticed them. Sometimes our flesh can rise up against the things God has planted in our hearts and urge us to accept praise and adoration from those around us. It’s nice to be recognized for our accomplishments, but when we are seeking out attention and putting that above God, we have a heart issue that needs to be fixed.

Prayer - God, I ask that you help me to learn that living this life is not all about me. Help me to take on a humble attitude when it comes to working or doing things. There may be times that I am not recognized for my hard work. Help me to remember that it is you that is always watching, and you who matters most. Help me to find someone today that needs to hear your name spoken. I give you thanks. In Your name, Amen.

February 9th

Scripture - Matthew 22

Observe It - Here we see Jesus use the parable of Marriage of the King’s Son. The banquet is revealed as a celebration for those who accept Jesus and judgment for those who reject his name. Many people are chosen by God, but many also reject God and run away from him. Rather than submitting their own lives and laying them down, they would rather do what they can now, and have fun, and worry about salvation later. Never wait to accept Jesus for we are not promised tomorrow.

Apply it - Have you ever felt the call of God? Maybe you were at home, at church, or even at a kid’s/youth camp. Did you accept the call, or did you run? If you are running now, what is keeping you from accepting the plans God has for you? Serving God is no easy task. When we accept Jesus, it’s not like life just clears up and becomes easy-peasy. In fact, it becomes harder because we fight with flesh and the devil. But, with Jesus, we can trust that when we pray, he’s there to answer us and fight alongside us!

Prayer - God, I don’t want to run anymore. I want to accept your gift of salvation and everything that comes along with it. I want to serve you and do the things that you have called me to do. Take my weary heart and let it find rest in you. Revive and restore me God. In your name I pray, Amen. 

February 8th

Scripture - Matthew 21

Observe it - Jesus enters Jerusalem as a king would have, marking himself as anointed. Those who followed him like his disciple’s and those he had healed were shouting out Hosanna which translates to “save now.” This crowd praised him as they walked through the streets, taking off garments to allow the donkey he rode to walk on them. Unfortunately, most of the people, even though those that he had healed were expecting him to bring Hope in a different way than God had planned. They truly had no idea who Jesus really was, they were blind to the real home that he offered, and the power behind what he was about to do to absolve death and sin. Shortly after welcoming him, the same community rejected Jesus as Messiah.

Apply It - How many times in your life have you rejected Jesus because he didn’t act the way you expected him to? Have you gotten to know the genuine power behind His name? How have you discovered the real power of Christ in your life?

Prayer - God, let me not lose sight of all that your son truly came and did for me. I want to always know the true power and majesty in the person of Jesus. For the times I have rejected you or pushed you aside, I ask that you forgive me of my sin and help me to move forward. In Your name, Amen.

February 7th

Scripture - Matthew 20

Observe it - Jesus simply states to those who listen that it doesn’t matter who accepts him first or last, or who does more work than any other. Jesus accepts all those who call on him. He doesn’t ask for us to compete with one another; seeing who has a bigger list of good deeds for when we get to heaven. He asks that we all work together as a community and build and feed off of each other. We can’t have one without the other. We also can’t obtain salvation through these good works or be on some special merit list. The only way to obtain salvation is to call upon the name of Jesus, and you will be saved. 

Apply It - Think about the job you are at now. Do you get noticed for the good work you do? Do you get any kind of recognition for your job well done? How many times have you completed a project, only to not get noticed that it was you who did it? This is where Jesus notices all of our hard work, and sometimes that’s hard to do. We fight our flesh to stand out and be in the spotlight and push others aside. How can you allow the things you do today be in honor of God instead of yourself?

Prayer - God, I want to see Your bigger picture. I want to be placed side-by-side with other believers and work towards the common goal; to reach out to those who need to hear your name the most. This isn’t some race or competition for fame. This isn’t a moment that’s all about me. When those moments hit, and my flesh wants to rise up with selfish ambition, I ask that you help tame my heart and mind to focus on you. In Your name, Amen.

February 6th

Scripture- Matthew 19

Observe It – We continue to see Jesus working among the people in the towns that he visits. With those visits, the Pharisee’s continue their pursuit of trapping Jesus. They ask him about divorce. Jesus simply answers like all things, marriage was intended to be for a lifetime and serve as a model of Christ’s relationship with the church. Jesus’ statements are always said with love, and never condemnation. He continually points out the consequences of what happens when our hearts become hardened against him. After all, God has set these ideas, his law as guidelines for community. He wants to protect what He’s given us in marriage. Regardless, even when we mess up, or fail, God’s love is pure and perfect, it fills those moments and seasons of our imperfections with the forgiveness that we need from Him.

Jesus’ last statements in this chapter explain that when we give up our earthly needs and everything we are, our rewards are rich in heaven. Nothing on earth will ever satisfy that. Only Jesus can be that filling where emptiness dwells.

Apply it - How does your heart line up with God’s? What is God asking you to give up as you follow him? Have you ever pushed against God’s design for life and realized that He really wants whats best for you? Have you ever tried to fill the emptiness inside of you with something else besides God? How did you feel? How do you feel when you let everything go and allow God to work? 

Prayer - God, may our hearts always be aligned with yours and never become hardened against you. When things try to take root in our hearts, I ask that you break it off. I want my life to be a reflection of the love you have for me. I want others to see that love and experience the same thing. In your name, Amen.

February 5th

Scripture- Matthew 18

Observe It – Jesus taught his followers that being great in His Kingdom, the greatest kingdom of all, isn’t accomplished by pushing other people around, or gaining high leadership positions. Instead, the key to being great in the Kingdom of God is found in the trust and faith of a little child. Later in the chapter, we read one of the greatest examples of what greatness in God’s Kingdom looks like: Jesus told a story about un-forgiveness near the end of this chapter, encouraging his followers to be generous with forgiveness.

Apply It – In a world where greatness is normally defined by how much power you have over people, how can you trust God with the faith of a child today? What might it look like to more fully trust God? Are there people you need to forgive today?

Prayer – God, help me to trust you with simple faith. Help me to think and live a life that is simply trusting you with all I am, with every effort, with every relationship. In Jesus name, Amen.

February 4th

Scripture- Matthew 17

Observe It – Jesus displayed the presence of God in a unique way here in Matthew 17. Jesus made a way for us all to come into God’s presence. It might not be on a mountain with people from the Old Testament appearing, but we can be in His presence because Jesus made a way for us.

Apply It – Take some time to simply be in God’s presence today. Ask God to help you see his presence in your home, your work, and your relationships today.

Prayer – God, I want to experience your presence today in a unique way. Help me to be aware of your presence -in the unique ways you would show yourself to me. Help me to carry your presence to others today too. In Jesus Name, Amen.

February 3rd

Scripture- Matthew 16

Observe It –  Here we see once again Jesus dealing with the Pharisees and Sadducees. No matter what miracle Jesus performed before their very eyes, they wouldn’t accept it. They were so caught up in their laws and religious behavior, that they refused accept that Jesus was in fact the Messiah that had been promised years ago. Their deceitful hearts wanted nothing more than to catch Jesus in a trap and turn him into the authorities. they couldn’t handle that all he wanted to do was to heal and love on people. Because of how the Pharisees and Sadducees were, Jesus continually warned his disciples to not let their words affect them and to keep their distance from them. Jesus also asked the question, “Who do you say I am?” to his disciples. Not to glorify himself or to get praises, but to truly build up the disciples that Jesus was the Messiah and that through him, the disciples could perform the same miracles and stay against false teachings.

Apply It - What false voices try to tell you that Jesus isn’t real? What to do you need to do today to truly hear the voice of Jesus? Remember, that the same power that flowed through Jesus and the disciples is the same power that we have today to continue the work Jesus started; healing and performing miracles. Don’t let others tell you who Jesus is, let his life through the Bible show you exactly who he is.

Prayer - God, help me hear only your voice, when there’s so many voices that cloud my thoughts. I want to know the intimacy of your voice. I want our times spent together to be times of growing and getting to know one another. I want a firm foundation that will help me grow strong in you. In Jesus name, Amen.

February 2nd

Scripture- Matthew 15

Observe It – Jesus warned his listeners not to focus on how outside forces disrupt our living. He taught them instead to allow God to deal with their hearts, motives, and actions. In the next event in this chapter, it sounds almost like Jesus turned away a woman that was asking him to heal her daughter, only because of her ethnicity. What if we read his conversation with her as a teacher challenging a student’s thinking? As she declares her faith, he celebrates her faith and heals her daughter at the end of verse 28. Then Jesus healed a crowd of people. Shortly after he healed them, he fed them. Jesus not only ran a hospital, he ran a kitchen -inviting EVERYONE to take part in the HOPE that he came to offer - the sick and the hungry.

Apply It – How can you allow God to deal with your heart and transform you, rather than allowing life and circumstances to determine where you stay? Has God been causing you to ask questions recently that you could learn from? Lastly, how can you be a hospital and set-up kitchen to bring healing, life, and most of all GOD’s HOPE to others?

Prayer – God, will you help me respond to your move in my life? Will you help me learn what you want to teach me? Lastly, help me to see opportunities to bring Healing and Hope to others. In Jesus Name, Amen.

February 1st

Scripture- Matthew 14

Observe It – John the Baptist followed God and his convictions at a high cost. In this same chapter, we read about how Jesus took a five loaves of bread and a couple of fish and fed over five thousand people. As we read on, we read a story about Peter getting out of boat to walk out to Jesus.

Apply It – Has there been a time in your life when you’ve paid a price for following God and holding onto your convictions? Have there been some times when God has blown you away by providing for you in a way that you didn’t think possible? Have there been times when you realized you need to step out of the ‘boat’ you’re comfortable in and live differently? How can reading these verses influence the way you’ll live today, your work ethic, how you care for your family? How could realizing that God moves in a lot of different ways help you trust Him in a deeper way?

Prayer – Lord, help me to live in response to what I read in your word. May I have the courage to live for you. Open my eyes to see the way you’re providing for me. Would you give me the courage to step out of my comfort and into obedience for you? Most of all, help me to trust you more today than I did yesterday. In Jesus Name, Amen.

January 31st

Scripture- Matthew 13

Observe It – Seeds can fall in an open area, in bad soil, in thorns, and in fertile soil. We should strive to be like seeds that are planted in good, fertile soil. If we are not planted in fertile soil, the enemy has a chance to come in and snatch away our understanding, joy, or works God has done in your life. But, when we are around good soil, we can grow and thrive. When the enemy tries to cut you down, you will have a strong soil that you have been planted in with roots growing down deep into it.

Apply It – As you grow in your journey in with Jesus, it is vital that you surround yourself with people who are there to pray with you and lift you up. They will help be your strong foundation and do battle with you when life becomes rough. It is also important that you find a church that you can plant yourself in and grow. 

Prayer – Father, I pray that the seeds produced from my life are always good seeds. And when bad seeds get planted around me, I pray that you give me the strength to weed them out. I want to be a field that is fertile and growing. I also want to help reap in your harvest. God, show me who I need to surround myself with and help me to leave places behind that will hinder. My old life is no more, but my new life in is rich and full. 

In your name, Amen.

January 30th

Scripture- Matthew 12

Observe It- The pharisee’s made a long list of do’s and don’ts. They looked at the outside, instead of at the hearts of people.

Human need is more important than rituals

Jesus is the temple and Lord over the sabbath – something that the pharisee’s could not wrap their head around.

We doubt that Jesus wants to use us to do the miraculous or heal others.  Sometimes onlookers have more faith like the pharisees did who were waiting and watching to see if Jesus would heal the crippled hand man.

Jesus retreated when plots of his death were made. This was out of respect for God’s ultimate plan. Things could not happen too soon.

Jesus is the perfect example of how to be a servant unto others.

Envy of others can cause us to condemn people.

Jesus continually warned the Jewish leaders not to have their hearts hardened against him, or reject him.

The more we reject Jesus, the more our hearts are hardened and grow distant against him. There may be a day that’s it’s too late to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior.

We will be known by the fruit that we bear.

Our words reveal what is truly in our hearts.

Apply It – Everything we do is seen by others. We need to make sure that how we act, think, and speak is always reflecting Jesus. Take the opportunity now to get right with God or accept him into your heart. We aren’t always promised tomorrow. Take opportunities to serve in your church and/or community.

Prayer -

Father,

May all that I do always be an example of you showing through me. I want people to see you when they see me. If there are moments that cross that line, give my heart a quick check and help me to respond to you in that moment. Father, if my heart is hardened against you, or if there is something lying deep inside me that separates me from you, help me to deal with that and free its grips off me.

In your name I pray,

Amen

January 29th

Scripture- Matthew 11

Observe It- Most people, even John, thought that Jesus was there to deal with political issues. Jesus was there to deal with heart issues, heal the sick, cast out demons… People still thought the Messiah was going to be big and fancy and live somewhere nice in the city.

Jesus did small things with perseverance. Not in big, flashy moments - Things the church today still struggles with. 

John the Baptist was not there to please men, but to let others know of Jesus. No one has come close to the prophet that John the Baptist was. 

Violence in this chapter refers to the intensity of spiritual warfare that faced both Jesus and John the Baptist, and still follows believers today.

Those who have criticism in their hearts will always have something to criticize about. They are never happy.

Apply It- Know that Jesus’s ministry still continues with us today. We are his arms, hands, feet and legs. We are tasked with spreading his name. We aren’t here to receive glory. Everything we do is done in the day-to-day; small and steady. Always be happy with what is. There will be moments when we may not agree with something… maybe we won’t like the message, or even the song choice for the day. But, it’s up to us to give that grievance over to God and do a heart check with him.

Prayer- Father, if there are things that I continually complain about, bring those to my mind throughout the day. Help me to see what keeps my heart from focusing on the tasks you put before me. Father, I give all praises and thanks to you.  In your name, Amen.

January 28th

Scripture- Matthew 10

Observe It–

-Jesus has authority to drive out demons and to heal the sick.

-He gave his disciples power and authority; the same that Jesus had to heal the sick.

- As the disciples went out, they were helping to establish the ministry of Jesus Christ. They were his extension. 

-There would be persecution and trouble as the disciples set forth. 

Apply It- Even today, when we choose to follow Jesus, our lives are filled with persecution, trouble, and hard-times. But still, we must preach truth in love to others. We must still fill the gap on lost souls. We must not back down, but come together united, standing firm in the faith together. Our words may never be popular with the world, but Jesus needs to be spread to the hurting, broken, lost, and sick - to bring his PLAN of Salvation, the HOPE of Jesus Christ, for FUTURE Generations.

Prayer- Father, thank-you for always giving me strength to fight off the adversary. Thank-you for giving me strength to face each new day. I pray that you grow my words so that when they come out of my mouth they are words of love, not hate. Even though the world may taunt me, I will still serve you always. In your name, Amen.

January 27th

Scripture- Matthew 9

Observe It–

-Strong faith within their hearts. 

-Healthy people don’t see a doctor, but the sick will go for treatment -it’s the same for Christians. Jesus saw those that were broken, outcasts, and sinners. He didn’t give favor to the overly religious. He welcomed in those who knew nothing about him rather than pursuing those who were pious against him.

-Faith to be healed, even when there had been many years of suffering.

Apply It- Going through, what seems like years waiting on healing. If I keep pushing forward and allow my faith to lead me, God will come through. God wants us to reach those who seem unreachable. He wants us to get out of the four walls of the church and go out to those who really need to know about Him. What would it look like to carry my friends to Jesus?

Prayer- Father, Help my faith to grow each and every day. Help me to see little things that you do in my life. I don’t always need the big picture, instead show me how you are at work in my day-to-day life. Grow those around me so that we can be united and help each other in hard times. God, I want to see you work in my life, my family, my friends, and my church. Keep growing me Father. In your name, Amen.

January 26th

Scripture- Matthew 8

Observe It – Jesus was setting himself and ministry up when he healed the leper. The officer thought he was unworthy to have Jesus in his home because of his status but, because of his faith, his servant was healed. 

We see Jesus continue to heal the sick and broken. It was a further establishment that he was the son of God.

With Jesus on board the boat, the disciples thought that the boat would capsize. Once Jesus calmed the storm, they saw again who he really was. 

Apply It – We have the same power to heal the sick and broken. We only have to ask Jesus and our faith. There are times that we are like the soldier. We don’t think that we deserve Jesus because of how we live our lives or how we lived in the past. But, God look past all that. He loves us unconditionally. When storms of life hit, I can trust and know that God is right there. I don’t have to be scared of the storm.

Prayer – Father God, I know that you are the true God. You are the one who stands beside me and who guides me through this crazy life. When my faith is low, restore it. I want my faith in you to overflow out of me and reach others. I stand firm on word God and I speak out your name knowing that you have my back. In your name, Amen.

January 25th

Scripture- Matthew 7

Observe It – Don’t judge others

Treat others how you want to be treated

Keep praying and seeking God in all matters

God has good things when you serve him.

The road to follow Jesus is not easy, or wide. It is a hard that is narrow. Not all who walk it make it.

Those who follow God produce good fruit, it shown by the way they live their lives and love on people.

Apply It – My life is to always be a living example for others. People should always see Jesus shining through. If I wanted to be treated with respect, then I need to treat others with respect. I shouldn’t look at person by the way they look and assume anything about their life. People deal with a lot and all I need to be is available to love on them or pray with them.

And, God always has good for me. The more I pursue him and spend time with him, the more he will pour out his blessings on me.

Prayer – Help me to let my life reflect you. From my actions, to my behavior, to the way I talk; let it always be you coming out in those areas of my life. If there is something that does not reflect who you are, wash it out of me. Help me in the weak areas of how I treat people. Raise me up to be a person that others can lean on and trust in hard times. In your name, Amen.