Matthew_9

Scripture

Matthew 9:36-38 NLT

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.“So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”

Observation-What does it say?

As news grew of all the healing and miracles that Jesus was performing, so were the crowds. Jesus was casting out demons from people, healing the blind, healing the paralyzed, and raising the dead to name a few things.  Jesus was able to meet and help people from all walks of life. Yet Jesus never lost focus on his main ministry while here on earth...recruiting people to God's Kingdom and sharing the good news with them. But as the crowds continued to grow, Jesus heart was filled with compassion for them. He saw a crowd of people who were lost and in need of knowing the truth. But between himself and his disciples there were too few of them. They needed more help! They needed to ask God's help to provide more workers to help them as they continued their works in ministry.

Understanding-What does it mean?

Being a follower of Christ is not a "spectator's sport". It is something that is going to take a total team effort, and involves all to do their part and "get in the game"!

I would like to think that all the people in this passage whose lives were touched by Jesus were all able to turn their lives around, repent from old sinful habits, and share with everyone they came into contact with about what Jesus had done for them. I hope that the crowds of people that were coming by the numbers to see him weren't just there for a "free handout", or they were just there to witness a miracle. I would like to think these crowds of people all became believers and followers of Jesus that day. That they learned about His teachings and were able to share it with others as well. Now that would be multiplying Christ Followers everywhere!

In the same aspect I would like to think that we as Christ Followers aren't just here "for the ride". We're not just in it to receive His blessings/"free handouts" from Him. I would like to think that we as Christ Followers know that we were bought at a price. That we understand that we are called to partner with our Almighty Father in Heaven to help further His Kingdom here on earth. Yes our God can do ALL things and He is Almighty and powerful. But he desires for us to partner with Him, to be His hands and feet here on earth, to do ministry together, fellowship together, build His Kingdom...together. 

The same way Jesus looked into the crowds and had compassion for all the lost souls He saw, is the same way we need to look within our own communities and workplaces and have that same compassion towards them. There is lots to do out there, and so few of us that are willing to step in and help. Like Jesus said in verse 37, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.“  We too should do as Jesus instructed his disciples in this passage and ask God to help provide us more workers to aid us in the field of ministry. Ask God to provide us people who are willing to "get in the game" and make a difference!

Life Application

Be an influence out in the world to lead others to Christ, and lead those who already know Him, (but may not truly follow Him), to "get in the game" and partner together and serve in ministry together!

DSC is the perfect place to start serving in ministry if you're not already. They offer outreaches within our community (Rio Vista Elementary and the blue condos across the train tracks), a recent missions trip to India, and plenty of other ministries within our church. So, as you can see there are plenty of opportunities to serve and get out in the fields of ministry. And the more hands we can get in there helping each other, the lighter the load it is for our brothers and sisters. So isn't it time we get in the game and help our team?!

“God has shown you his grace in many different ways. So be good servants and use whatever gift he has given you in a way that will best serve each other.” 1 Peter 4:10 ERV

 

-Moses Gaddi

2 Samuel_5

Scripture

2 Samuel 5:18-19

“The Philistines arrived and spread out across the valley of Rephaim. So David asked the LORD, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” The LORD replied to David, “Yes, go ahead. I will certainly hand them over to you.””

Observation-What does it say?

David had just captured the fortress in Zion. He was anointed King by all the tribes of Israel, and David and his army were growing more and more powerful because God was with them. Meanwhile, the Philistines just got news that David was anointed king of all of Israel so they mobilized all their forces to try to capture him. David then turns to God to seek his next move.

Understanding-What does it mean?

As mighty and powerful David has become, he understands that it is all God's doing.

It could be easy for anyone in David's shoes(sandals) to get prideful and believe the recent success that they have been experiencing is from their own doings. As for David, he knows better. He remained humble, seeking God for his every military move (vs. 19 & 23). David waited for God's response before making any move against his enemy. David also honored God by giving him credit for his victories (vs. 20). David realized the victories and blessings he received in life were due to his relationship with God.

Life Application

Having a strong relationship with God is the only way I can get through all of the ups and downs in life. Relying on His strength rather than my own strength is the smartest decision I can make.

Father God, may I involve you in every decision in life. No matter how big or small my problem is, You are always there. May I find Your blessings in life as I put You in the midst of everything I do. Thank You for wanting a relationship with a sinful man like me. 

Thank You for Your son Jesus who makes our relationship even possible.  In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

-Moses Gaddi

Matthew_7

Scripture

Matthew 7:20 (NIV)Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 

Observation

This book is the continuation and end of Jesus’ sermon on the mount – which gives a lot of practical instruction/guidance on how to live the life of a Christ follower (don’t judge, ask God for your heart’s desires, choose the narrow/unpopular gate for it is what leads to life, beware of false prophets, etc.)

Understanding

Ultimately, all of the guidance of the sermon boils down to this one thing…”by their fruit you will recognize them.” Our actions, they way we live out our everyday lives SHOW our faith, SHOW our heart. Our words are an outpouring of our hearts and they have the power to build up or tear down; but our actions reveal where our heart is rooted. Action defined is “the fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim.” The aim, in this case, is to show our obedience to God and, in that obedience, grow closer to Him.  And, the cool part is, it’s all a chain reaction – our faith in action brings a clear conscious as we walk in/with integrity. (1 Tim: 1:19, 1 Tim. 3:9). In turn, when we walk boldly (yet humbly) in integrity, it brings more action…which leads to more lives being impacted.

Life Application

May our actions show our faith; and may our faith be built through our actions.God, I love your heart for your people and the way you created and orchestrated things. Nothing is ever a solo, one off, coincidental thing…but it all ties together in this big beautiful world you created and for good in our lives. May we move boldly today, responding in faith and action to what you’ve called us to. May I move boldly today…in faith and action. And may I known by my fruit – as being devoted to and loved by you. In Your Name, I pray. Rei To check out the discussion or to join in click here.