Many of us want to be a part of the big moment. Easter in the stadium is one of those such moments. It’s amazing when we see so many people, so much enthusiasm, and then we experience all those decisions. Wow. The “big” is fun to be sure. It’s exciting and special on so many levels. What would happen though if we had our eyes just as open to spot the little moments when we can be a part of God breaking through in one person’s life?

Stepping In: READ IT

Read Matthew 10:1-42

Building Up: STUDY IT

Focus on Matthew 10:42

Again, like we’ve seen before, it’s important to see the whole context by reading the whole chapter. Here, at the conclusion of Jesus’ training for his disciples on one of their missions He reminds them of the importance and the power of the little things.

Here, even a cup of cold water, is a big deal. When done for the right reasons and done in order to point people to Jesus, the small things become huge!

Living Out: APPLY IT

Application questions (Is there a… 1. Sin to CONFESS 2. Promise to CLAIM 3. Attitude to CHANGE 4. Command to OBEY 5. Example to FOLLOW (or not) 6. Prayer to PRAY 7. Error to AVOID 8. Truth to BELIEVE 9. Something to PRAISE GOD FOR). 

I’m looking at this verse as an attitude adjuster and as a truth to believe and hold on to. We’ll never really know the impact of our surrendering to the little moments, the hardly noticeable opportunities that happen daily. I have to wonder though, what would happen if thousands of us who call Christ Lord in this valley were all willing to do the little things.

Dear Father, bring to my eyes those little moments when I can, in some way, bring a cup of cold water to someone in need. I want to know when someone needs a pat on the back, their coffee paid for while they stand in line or their groceries placed in their car for them. I want to be reminded of the importance of letting someone else go first or giving them the better table at the restaurant. It doesn’t have to be big, but I just want to be a part of you reminding someone TODAY that they are loved by You.

I like the famous quote from D. T. Niles, “Evangelism is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.” The truth is, I’m not better than anyone else. Having discovered what Jesus offers, though, I do have something worth sharing.

Stepping In: READ IT

Read Matthew 9:1-38

Building Up: STUDY IT

Focus on Matthew 9:12-13

This wasn’t the only time Jesus ruffled the feathers of the Pharisees. In their disdain for Jesus one of the ways they tried to slam Him was to call him something unthinkable and disgusting. They would call Him, “a friend of sinners.” Bam!

However, Jesus would wear that phrase like a badge of honor, a reminder of His mission. Yes, He IS a friend of sinners just like me. The Pharisees thought people had to earn their way into God’s graciousness, but if that were the case, it wouldn’t really be GRACE.

Living Out: APPLY IT

Application questions (Is there a… 1. Sin to CONFESS 2. Promise to CLAIM 3. Attitude to CHANGE 4. Command to OBEY 5. Example to FOLLOW (or not) 6. Prayer to PRAY 7. Error to AVOID 8. Truth to BELIEVE 9. Something to PRAISE GOD FOR). 

The error to avoid here is that I can’t afford to be like the self-righteous, I’m better than you, Pharisees. I need to be more like Jesus. Somehow I’ve got to see those who may be far from God and whose lives may be filled with garbage through Jesus’ eyes. 

Dear Father, soften my heart for the hurting, sin-filled, rebellious person who even goes out of his/her way to curse you. What they need is not my reprimand and down-my-nose gaze from my self-imposed superiority. They need another chance like I do. They need grace like I do. They need love and forgiveness and a help up and understanding and acceptance and a smile…like I do. I’m no better than anyone. Knowing You and what you offer, I do have a lot to share, just no reason to condemn. 

Somedays it’s enough to know that I don’t control everything, but the One that does knows best and loves me enough to bring me through the storm.

Stepping In: READ IT

Read Matthew 8:1-34

Building Up: STUDY IT

Focus on Matthew 8:26-28

This is no ordinary man to be sure. The winds and waves obey Him. This is not the only time the disciples, like us at times, felt life was out of control. They felt they were in way over their head. They thought this might be the end.

However, Jesus speaks to the storm and everything changes. Wow.

Living Out: APPLY IT

Application questions (Is there a… 1. Sin to CONFESS 2. Promise to CLAIM 3. Attitude to CHANGE 4. Command to OBEY 5. Example to FOLLOW (or not) 6. Prayer to PRAY 7. Error to AVOID 8. Truth to BELIEVE 9. Something to PRAISE GOD FOR). 

My action today is more of one of not taking action. I realize I have something really special to praise God for. When life hits me in a way that reminds me I’m not in control of everything, in steps my Lord. He is in control. 

Dear Father, I just want to praise you today for your ability to speak light into existence right out of the darkness. I want to admire your ability to speak calm over a serious storm. Help me today to trust you, even when life feels out of control. Help me to lean on you, even when everything around me seems to be moving. Thank you for the reminder that I can let you deal with the big stuff, which is way over my head anyway.

For my friends going through a storm right now, help me to be an extension of your peace and comfort. I know I don’t have any magic words to heal a broken heart or shattered dream, but I do have you. Maybe, somehow, I can just share you.

It’s one thing to know about Jesus, but it’s another to know Jesus. It’s one thing to know what He says, but it’s another thing to actually DO what He says.

Stepping In: READ IT

Read Matthew 7:1-29

Building Up: STUDY IT

Focus on Matthew 7:24-27

After focusing on Jesus’ words these past three chapters I need to ask myself a very important question: Am I DOING what Jesus said I should be doing as His follower?

Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” This is more than just being smart and following the advice of my Creator, it’s all about my commitment and love for Him as my Lord.

Living Out: APPLY IT

Application questions (Is there a… 1. Sin to CONFESS 2. Promise to CLAIM 3. Attitude to CHANGE 4. Command to OBEY 5. Example to FOLLOW (or not) 6. Prayer to PRAY 7. Error to AVOID 8. Truth to BELIEVE 9. Something to PRAISE GOD FOR). 

There are a few different ways to apply this closing picture Jesus gives us regarding our obedience. I’m going to look at it as a “sin to confess” and a “truth to believe.”

Dear Father, there is no question that following you is the best, wisest thing for me to do. However, I’ve tried my hand at building aspects of my life on the empty promises of this world. Forgive me for thinking the car I drive or the house I live in or the clothes I wear somehow make me something of value in the eyes of others. My value clearly comes from you. I’ve felt the crash of the storm hitting my weak foundations and I don’t want to feel that again. I will forever trust that you know way better than I do how I should live my life. Thank you for the clear instruction of your Word. Help me to not just learn it, but to obey it and build my life on the ROCK.

We’re still in the middle of a sermon by Jesus regarding His followers. This is such a powerful message. We could spend months right here in these 3 chapters. But, here we go into chapter 6.

Stepping In: READ IT

Read Matthew 6:1-34

Building Up: STUDY IT

Focus on Matthew 6:33-34

Here’s a great example of why we need to read the whole chapter. There’s an amazing promise right here in verse 33, but we won’t understand what God is offering unless we’ve read the prior verses.

He says “all these things will be given to you as well,” if we put His kingdom & His righteousness first. What are all these things? Go back and read thru verses 25-32. It’s the stuff we worry about. Money, food, shelter, clothes, etc. He even says in verses 19-24 if we put money first, we’re really going to miss out. We’re told to invest in what really matters, in what’s eternal. 

So, when I put God first in my finances and my time, when I put Him first with my abilities and energy and creativity. When I use what He’s given me to make a difference in the lives of others (for His Kingdom) I’m going to get so much out of it. The little stuff I worry about may seem big at the time, but compared to what God has planned for us for eternity…it ain’t nuthin’.

Living Out: APPLY IT

Application questions (Is there a… 1. Sin to CONFESS 2. Promise to CLAIM 3. Attitude to CHANGE 4. Command to OBEY 5. Example to FOLLOW (or not) 6. Prayer to PRAY 7. Error to AVOID 8. Truth to BELIEVE 9. Something to PRAISE GOD FOR). 

This is a clear promise to claim. It’s a promise for you and me. (Some promises in the Bible were for a specific person or group of people in a particular time period.)

Dear Father, I promise to do everything I can to put you FIRST in every area of my life. I will continue to tithe as I put you first in my finances and invest in eternity. I will continue to put you first in my marriage and family by striving to be a man, husband and father that my family can follow as they move closer and closer to you. I will put you first in my future planning and dreaming. I’m not going to do anything for my glory…but I’m going to give my very best for your glory, your purposes, your mission and your plan for my life. I trust you and will NOT worry about the stuff in this life that I can’t control anyway. I trust you completely!