Week beginning Monday 15th December

Matthew 9 & 10

Reading  these two chapters together was a a balancing act for me – the wonder and amazingness of the miracles of God’s Kingdom realised through Jesus and His disciples in contrast with the confrontation and reality of a living a life following Jesus. The mix of healing and hope with heartache and challenge. And the reality is that following Jesus is a mix of miracles and difficulties. It is a good reminder for me this week that the road less travelled can often be a lonely and difficult road – one where condemnation and accusation will come from those close to you. Chapter 10 verses 26-31 are the compass within the miracles and challenges – that is, look to God, press in to God, don’t fearful of people and know how much God cares. The love of God is the ultimate place and source of life…’so don’t be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows’. [Prayer - LORD I do want to see more miracles and I know that this will mean more trouble. As I journey with you help me to not be afraid. AMEN]

Week beginning Monday 8th December 2008

Matthew 7 & 8

The words and actions of Jesus bringing a new reality to the world called God’s Kingdom. His teachings cut through so much junk in human relationships bringing truth and relationship between people and with God. His actions were unlike any others – healings / crossing cultural divides / unreal acts of nature. And this is all reality – a reality that draws people into it but challenges us to the core. Many said, “Jesus, I will follow you!” only to find that Jesus’ reality was too demanding, in that they couldn’t have what they wanted and needed to rely totally on God’s provision.

The Jesus in these two chapters challenges me. Jesus makes me think about the way I judge people. Jesus makes me confront my values and trust in God. I take heart however as I read how the disciples too were challenged by Jesus. On a boat in a storm they say, “Jesus, save us!” What were they expecting him to do??? He calms the widn and the waves and they are overwhelmed. I too get overwhelmed by Jesus, especially when he does act to save me – I don’t always like what Jesus does…I get challenged and blown away…but I’m so glad that Jesus does save me. I surely need to be saved. (Prayer – LORD sometimes I don’t know what I am expecting when I ask you to save me, but faithully and in your way you do. Thanks. Amen)

Week beginning Monday 1st December

Matthew 5 & 6

In these chapters Jesus renews and realigns the Law of God back to God’s intention – that is the Law as the gift of God to humanity to show us the best way to live within the order of creation. Jesus highlights and contrasts what the world in disorder does against God’s way of relationship – love and truth. Jesus offers us a ‘better way’ where our identity and purpose comes from God and not our own self. Jesus tells us what a blessed life looks like – dependence on God; grief; humility; obedience; mercy; purity; doing right; being happy and excited in God! Further Jesus calls us to pray, love, generousity, faithulness, and prioritising things of God’s Kingdom over the things of the temporary.

[Prayer - LORD, let me sit at your feet today, listening to your teaching. Give me your Spirit that I might follow your way. LORD I will follow your way. AMEN]