Matthew 19 - 9.19.23

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew 19:16  "Just then someone came up and asked Him, "Teacher, what good must I do to have eternal life?"

OBSERVATION:  In this passage of Scripture, Jesus was teaching a doctrine of priorities, which He had clearly stated on the Sermon on the Mount regarding seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.  Jesus knew what was in the rich young man's heart, and it was exposed when Jesus told him to sell his belongings and give it to the poor, and then follow Him.  This rich man loved his material wealth more than he loved God.  The man went away grieving, because he had so many possessions.

APPLICATION:  God enjoys giving us good things, but never at the expense of us putting them above our love for Him.  He loves to provide for our sustenance and also for our pleasure.  He is our Heavenly Father Who loves to lavish us with good things, and it is always for the purpose of giving us enough to share.  He gives us gifts and talents, resources, time, and money, and when we use them for kingdom purposes, He is honored!  He loves to give, and it is His desire that we also love to give... with cheerful hearts.  

PRAYER:  I pray as I evaluate my commitment to generosity that I will always first and foremost love God above all else!  I pray that when I give to others, it will be with a positive attitude.  My I give generously as God has given to me.  There is an added bonus when it comes to being generous; According to God's Word, when I am generous with my giving, it causes other believers to praise and glorify God! ( 2 Corinthians 9:13). 

May my utmost desire be to invest in the kingdom of God so my bank account builds in heaven.  

- Robin Orefice

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

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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