Matthew__7

Scripture

Matthew 7: 7-8

7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened up to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

 

Observation

As Jesus continues His sermon on the Mount, He stresses the importance of asking God to fill not only our every desire but also our needs. He even goes as far as to say that God is generous in giving and He gives to all. However, He places the initiative on us as God’s people and not on God chasing us down.

 

Understanding

Just ask!

When I was younger and went to my auntie’s house for Christmas Eve there was always a plethora of desserts. They would magically appear as the night went on, and more and more would just miraculously show up. There was/are these one cookies that are there every year, and for as basic as they are they are the hottest commodity (the little Pilsbury cookies in case you were wondering). My cousin and his brothers would always run up to the cookies take a swift look around and quickly shove a cookie in their mouth, then a few in their pocket, and then run away. It became so much of a bit that they still do it, and they are in their teenage years now. I used to wonder to myself: “Why don’t they just ask their mom for some cookies? I’m sure she’d give it to them because it’s Christmas.” 

Fast forward bit to the fast of this year. As I sat and watched all the amazing things that God did in our church I though to myself, “Why can’t I have the courage to pray for people the way that this person does?” Or… “Why can’t I be as well-spoken in front of people as that person when speaking the Good News?” And even… “Why can’t a revival or renewal like the one in Acts happen today?” As I sat there thinking these questions I got a clear picture of my cousins stealing cookies. What we as believers have in common with my cousins, is the ability to ask. We become so afraid of the answer or outcome that we neglect to ask God in the first place.

However, Jesus offers an important proposition in this chapter: God doesn’t answer the door if He doesn’t hear any knocking. He won’t answer your prayer unless you formally ask Him. What is it that you want? Even though God already knows He wants to see the effort made by you as well. He wants to check the desires your heart, but He can only do that if you ask Him to. Our city is starved for answers right now and many are providing answers to questions only God can answer. I implore you to look deep inside yourselves and ask God first before mindlessly shoving cookies in your mouth. Don’t go taking the world’s answers before asking God first.

Isaiah 22:22 “…When he opens doors, no one will be able to close them; when he closes doors, no one will be able to open them.”

 

Life Application

God, help us to be people that trust you enough to ask you questions and to ask you for the desires of our heart. May we be a people bold enough to ask you for things like revival, healing, and and even courage. God I thank You that You are a gentleman, and You require a formal invitation before moving in power and grace. May more people ask for this power and grace and may You bring revival and healing in ways that only You can do. I pray for boldness in the hearts of people right now.

In Your name I pray,

Amen.

-Allison Khan

Job 10

Scripture

 

Job‬ ‭10:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

 

““I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul.”

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Observation-What does it say?

 

In verses 1-7, Job complains of his hardships.

In verses 8-13, He pleads with God as his Maker.

In verses 14-22, He complains of God's severity.

 

(Reference: Matthew Henry’s Bible commentary-concise)

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

Job complained to God and God was listening.

 

Although Job complained, he never sinned because he never once accused God of NOT being good or righteous. In verses 8-13, Job is pleading with God as his Maker, which proves that he never lost his faith. Also, Job allowed God to speak back to him, which we will all read in the weeks ahead.

 

Life Application

 

Questioning God, being doubtful and complaining is NOT a sin. Sin is when we turn our backs completely against Him.

 

One thing I’ve had to work on in my marriage is not giving my husband the silent treatment when I’m upset. I’ve become a much better communicator throughout our 11 years of marriage, but Moses would get frustrated with me when I do that because he doesn’t know what he did wrong. He loves me and wants to be there for me. Turning my back against him and giving him the slient treatment is a form of rejection to my husband.

 

That’s how I view our relationship with God. Prayer to me just means communication with God. He loves us so much and would rather have us air out what’s on our minds and hearts, than to stop praying to Him completely and give Him the silent treatment. God can handle the good, bad and even ugly of our lives because He loves us. Also, unlike fallible human beings, He never changes and never makes mistakes. He is our Rock and stronghold and refuge and is NOT an insecure Father. Also, He knows it ALL already. It’s impossible to put up masks with God.

 

If you are not being honest with God with what’s truly going on in your heart, I encourage you to let down those walls and allow Him to speak back to You through His Word. As you continue reading through Job, you’ll see what a great listener God is, as His response to His child Job doesn’t come until the end of the book. God’s response is truly epic though, but I won’t give any spoiler alerts if you’ve never read Job’s story before.

 

Dear Lord, I pray that we would communicate with You 24-7, and allow You to communicate back with us. I pray for anyone who still feels like they have to have a wall up or a mask up with You, as if You don’t know everything already. I pray that no matter how we’re feeling, we would always meditate on the truth of Your Word, that You are good and righteous through it all. May our relationship with You just get stronger as a result of letting our guard down and letting You in completely. Amen.

 

-Michelle Gaddi

Matthew_5

Scripture

Matthew 5:4,6,14a,16b⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,for they will be comforted….⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be filled.….¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. ¹⁶ …let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 

Observation

This chapter, and the two that follow it, are a sermon; a famous sermon; the sermon upon the mount. It is the longest and fullest continued discourse of our Saviour that we have upon record in all the gospels. It is a practical discourse…Excerpt from Matthew Henry Commentary of the Whole Bible: Matthew 5: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/matthew/5.html

 

Understanding

I’m sure like most people in Santa Clarita right now, everything brings you back to the incident that took place on Thursday...where, our city – typically known for better schools, great bike trails and Magic Mountain – became the most recent in the headlines for a school shooting. As a result, our entire city is in mourning.It’s unlikely that anyone experiencing this mourning would consider themselves “blessed” in the mourning part of their feelings and I won’t project that we should find the “blessing” in this situation. There’s not one; our town if forever marked, people have permanently lost loved ones and students and parents who once felt safe are experiencing unexpected fear and anxiety.However, as we continue to come together as a community, there is a focus on loving one another, providing comfort where we can. Now, as much as ever if not more, we are called to be God’s hands and feet – extending love, comfort, mercy, kindness…Verse 14-16 says, we are the light of the world. It’s times like these where we need to shine brightest. Being cognizant of the need to seek God, get filled up so we can pour out his love, grace, kindness, mercy on those we meet. 

Life Application

This is not a call to rush the mourning process. People grieve and mourn differently. People in/of/around our city have been impacted differently, are affected differently, experience emotion differently. May we give ourselves and those we encounter space to grieve, mourn, experience this tragic incident in the time and way they need…but may we also look as often as we can to be a light in the world – whether it be a lamp, a spotlight, a flickering candle, whatever the situation deems appropriate – to let people know they are seen and loved, not just by us but by God.God, tragedies are always hard to comprehend; remind us that you are here with us now. Be with those who are questioning you. Be with those that are calling out to you. Be with those who feel betrayed by you. Be with those who are fearful. Be with those who feel broken. Continue to rebuild the pieces of our city, make your presence and power known. Fill us up and empty us out as many times as it takes to touch everyone in our community with your love. May we seek you, find you and love you even more in the process.  In your name we pray, Amen.Rei To check out the discussion or to join in click here.