Matthew 18 - 9.18.23
Scripture
Matthew 18:2-3 NLT
“Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Observation
The disciples asked Jesus the question, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Jesus responds to them by calling a child over. Then Jesus uses this child as an illustration for them. He explains that they need to be as humble as a child, (having total dependence on God, doing what He tells them, holding onto every Word God says, and believing it is true), in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Application
Have that childlike faith to become a child of God.
When my daughters were really little, they loved going to the park. But whenever it was time to go home, they would always fight me tooth and nail to stay longer. “Daddy, just 5 more minutes please?”, they always asked. Needless to say, that 5 minutes could turn into an hour sometimes. But one day I thought I would trick them so we could leave on time. I told them that we have to leave the park before the sun goes down because that is when the werewolves come out to hunt the little kids. (I know, bad parenting right?! 😆). And sure enough, as soon as I said that, a dog from the house up the hill from the park started howling. It helped me get my point across because I then told them, “You see, the werewolves are getting ready to come out now because the sun is setting.” Needless to say, my kids were now begging me to take them home before the sun went down. 😆 I would have to then reassure them that as long as they were with me, nothing would happen to them because daddy would fight off the werewolves. 💪🏽
Now that my kids are older, we look back at that time and have a good laugh about it. But, it just shows you how much children can believe their father in everything he says. They know that when they’re with him, there is nothing to be scared of. They know that there is no need to worry because their father would provide everything they needed. And I think that is what Jesus was trying to teach His disciples here in this verse. Jesus tells them that in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, they need to have that childlike faith. They need to be fully reliant on God in everything they do. They need to believe in everything He says, and do everything He asks. And If they’re able to do that, they are now children of God and are welcome into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Now I know my parenting skills may be a bit questionable in my story, (joking to my kids in order for them to leave the park in a timely fashion). But I want to ensure you that although I know I’m not a perfect father, we have a Father in Heaven Who is perfect. We can count on Him and believe in Him. He does not lie and He keeps His promises. He will provide and protect us. His love is unconditional for us. But are we willing to trust in His ways over our own? Can we humbly admit that we need God in everything we do? Do we believe in His Son Jesus? Can we call ourselves a child of God?
“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.”-John 1:12
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I want to thank You for being the perfect Father to me. You are kind and loving. You provide my every need. You protect me. Even Your discipline helps guide me back on the path that leads to life. Thank You for Your patience with me. May I follow You to the ends of the earth with that childlike faith You desire for me to have in You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽
-Moses Gaddi
Ezekiel 33 - 9.15.2023
Scripture - Pick one verse that stood out to you.
Ezekiel 33:31
My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain.
Observation - What about this verse stands out to you?
This chapter in Ezekiel is filled with great reminders for us concerning the majesty and justice of God. This verse stood out to me because it has been said that we should listen to the Word of God and then do the word of God. God shares with Ezekiel that this is the current state of His people. They come to listen to Ezekiel, but they do not do what God is telling them to do through the prophet. I am reminded today of how important the below step is in our journey with God. Lord, may I know Your word and do Your word!
Application - How will you apply this to your life?
Let me do the word of God today. Lord, for my life application today I will…<gulp>...dance for you as it says in Psalm 149 “Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp.” I will do this in the privacy of my own home and away from my wife and daughter. Forgive me, Lord in advance!
Prayer - Write out a prayer.
I am sorry that I have been so far from You. Please forgive me for not being filled with enough joy lately, Lord. I want to praise you and worship you this morning, Lord. Holy Spirit please let my worship both my physical motions, and my voice that I offer up to Father God and Jesus Christ this morning, let my worship and dance be a sweet smell unto the Lord this morning. In the name of Jesus do I pray, amen.
-kenneth lee
Matthew 16 - 9.14.23
Scripture
Matthew 16:24 NLT
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.”
Observation
In this section of the passage I chose, Jesus is talking to His disciples and telling them exactly what it takes to be one of His TRUE followers. They will have to deny their own ways and sinful desires, so that they could wholly and completely follow Jesus. To deny yourself and take up your cross doesn’t necessarily refer to the daily burdens or problems we face, but rather refers more to the ideal of fully living our lives for Jesus, and identifying with every aspect of His rejection, shame, suffering, and even death.
“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”-Galatians 2:20
Application
How can I take up my cross and follow Jesus today?
For me it starts in the morning. As soon as my alarm clock buzzes, I don’t hit the snooze button, (no matter how tired I am), and get up and have my time with God-(praying, reading His Word, and taking some time doing devotions). It can be seeing someone in need of prayer and compassion, and going over to them and praying and loving on them, no matter how awkward and foolish I may look by doing it. It can be sharing with someone what God has done for me, (sharing the gospel of Christ), no matter if I get rejected or not. Ultimately it is about putting aside anything in my life that takes my focus away from wholeheartedly following Jesus. Like Jesus said to the Father, “Not my will be done, but Your will be done.”
Prayer
Father God, thank You so much for ALL You have done for me and given me. You gave me Your best when You sent Jesus. I pray that I can give You my best in everything I do. May Your Holy Spirit continue to live through me with all that I do and say. May others around me know You more because of it. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽
-Moses Gaddi