The 7 Day Experiment is an opportunity to connect with God through daily devotion by reading the Bible, journaling and blogging. Our goal for this experiment is for each of us to hear from God in His way.
Matt 7:14 - first I want to thank God & PRAISE Him that He helped me find the narrow path & I made the right choice!
Matt 21-23: this just breaks my heart to think about the lost souls in my life who think they are going to heaven for all the wrong reasons. It also reminds me that I NEED to step up my prayer life and be in prayer for their souls and if I haven't yet ... witness to them.
Matt 8:4 - why does Jesus tell him, "SEe that you tell no one ..."?
Again in Matt 9:30 - "See that no one knows it". Why?
Then I sit back and look at all 3 chapters ... after spending 4 days, with not much sleep, of migraines ... I read how Jesus healed over & over. I KNOW I've asked Him to heal me and take them away (Matt 7-12, ask & it will be given) and I believe He can do it. I also read that He heals because of their faith & belief ... do I not have enough? Matt 9:21-22, the woman knew if she just touched his garment, she would be healed. Is it not His will? Is it my thorn? Do I need to grow my faith? I also have prayed to God and asked Him how do I prayed & believe when so many times before it hasn't changed? I guess I just need to keep praying, like the woman with the King?
Today's (Wednesday) reading: Matt 10:5 - it really popped out that Jesus said do not go into the way of the Gentiles or Samaritans when we are supposed to share the gospel with everyone. Then I realized this is why I need to pray everyday what God wants me to do with the day. He has a perfect plan instead of me just doing the day as usual. Haven't been so good at that, but I'm trying.
Matt 29 - in saying all that above and then reading this verse ... And not one of them (the sparrow) falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. I KNOW nothing happens to me that God doesn't know about and that means He has a perfect plan for me & the best in mind. I need to keep that in my mind. I may not get it or like it or even understand it. But, if nothing is going to happen to a bird without His consent, then what about me.
Matt 10:42 ... cup of cold water?
Chapter 11 - nothing really popped out.
Matt 22-30: this makes me sad for our country since it seems to be divided. That's the way I feel anyway. So, I guess I need to step up my prayers about that too.
Ch 8 God always has time for people who seek him. He helps those who ask. What do I miss out on because I haven’t taken the time to ask for help? Despite all the miracles Jesus could do, he had no home. So if my example is not entangled with the things of the world, even more I need not be. There are still storms in Jesus’ presence but we don’t need to be fearful.
Ch 9 Jesus knows our thoughts. Why are so many of our prayers about healing our sick friends but our passion for their sins being forgiven is nowhere as strong? The sins is really the more imp. Issue. Jesus’ life was one of interruptions. He never seemed stressed or over busy. Even when people laughed him to scorn he just deliberately worked his miracles “According to your faith be it” Is that true of us today? Is that why we feel like we live in a powerless world where God doesn’t do miracles? Because we aren’t calling on him out in the streets begging for a miracle trusting it has got to be Him or we’re sunk. I love it that the God of the universe can be moved with compassion when looking at our lives.
Matt 9-10 Jesus healed so many of their diseases and strongholds because of their faith and has commissioned us to do the same...are we doing it?
I thought it was interesting all the various warnings & instructions Jesus gave to the disciples when sending them out....but toward the end reminded them to not be afraid of those that can kill the body but not the soul! And how much more worth we are than a sparrow, which he doesn't allow to fall to the ground unless it's God's will for it to happen!
Wow, we are to love nothing and no one more than God, He needs to be our priority over all in our lives...something He reminds me of a lot when I think of turning to someone for comfort, He reminds me He's there to provide that comfort. Even if I had a spouse He told me He'd want me to turn to Him first.
Ch 9:10-13- reminds me to reach out to people living in sin- share God's word with them- God's word can change ANYONE! I DEFINITELY do not do this. In fact, I usually have a problem with people, who I don't know, approaching me about the Bible. I wonder why? I know sometimes it is because of where we are... like one time at Wal-Mart in the cleaning aisle. I had both kids, they were tired, and I was like, "really?? I don't have time for this." But, I didn't say that to her. Luckily, Dawson piped in with, "We already know Jesus." :)
ch9:11-12- loved the "its not the healthy who need a doctor".
ch 9:17- we must always look for new ways to serve God in our lives and to spread God's word. Where else can I serve?
ch 9:27-30- Here's where I have trouble. Jesus didn't heal the blind men right away. When God doesn't answer my prayers right away or at all, maybe He is testing my faith. What am I doing "wrong"? He is telling me I am doing something "wrong". Again, I am reminded to "be still"... listen... and put Him first. But, when prayers go unanswered FOR SO LONG... it is hard not to feel defeated and turn away from God, since He isn't "fixing things".
ch9:37-38- in the world, people are ready to give their lives to Christ, but they don't know how. We need to be prepared to let God use us, to show someone the way to Him. Dear God, help me realize when I am in this situation... and let your words flow through me.
ch 10:1- Jesus called His disciples and they came. NO QUESTIONS asked. When God calls on us, how do we respond? Am I too busy? Is God getting a busy signal? I need to remember to put on my "listening ears" and remember to put Him first. Much easier said than done for me. I am a mom... I tend to put the kids first. How do you NOT put your kids first? Where is the line between not putting your kids first and child neglect?
ch 10:2- list of the 12 disciples. From all walks of life. So when I feel small, uneducated in the Bible, useless, desperate, defeated, etc; I need to remember God uses even "ordinary" people... like me.
10:8- "Freely you have received, freely give." Everything we have is a blessing from God and we should be willing to share with others.
10:42- Be a good model for unselfish service. No one else may see it, but God will.
Kids are officially out of school today. WOOO HOOO!!! Let summer begin!
Jesus does forgive sins! He made it perfectly clear. If you were wondering...wonder no longer. Matt 9:2-7
Matt finally enters the scene...everything before this would have probably been info from Jesus directly. I dig Matt's favorite Jesus quote, "I DESIRE MERCY, NOT SACRIFICE!"
Has anyone ever taken all the gospel accounts and figured out where Jesus traveled during His life...from being in the womb to the after the resurrection? That would be a fullon cool trek to do with the tribe...maybe one day.
2 blind men...Jesus tells us to be silent at times...
Will I ever be given the opportunity to heal, cleanse lepers, raise the dead and cast out demons? My faith SUCKS.
I have watched more TV news in the past week since we have been going to the gym. Prop 8, more abortion governmental funding, kids slaughtering kids, judges chosen for all the wrong reasons...To quote one of my favorite ska bands Five Iron Frenzy, "In America it's wonderful, all you have to do is fake it. Own anything you want, all you have to do it take it. Live for today, don't think about tomorrow, Have a good time in America-Gomorrah." I find myself crying on the treadmill begging God to forgive me for my wickedness, and forgive my country for her atrocities. How long does America have before the fullness of her sin is complete? How soon until we who belong to His Household are fully considered demons?
DO NOT FEAR AARON, YOU ARE WORTH MORE THAN MANY SPARROWS.
Lord teach me to take up my cross and follow You each day. Lord I need to give more to my brothers and sisters who are ministering on the front lines like Mark and Krista Crawford who are rescuing prostitutes in Thailand and giving them a new lease on life. (Ivy and I watched TAKEN last night...intense!)
I wrote 1.5 pages in my spiral notebook today. The first 0.5 pages was a prayer of repentance for sin. Then a full page of observations from Matt 10-12:
Matt 10:16 -- We are as dumb, defenseless sheep in the midst of hungry, merciless wolves. That's why we need The Shepherd who keeps us safe.
Matt 10:36 -- Enemies in your own house/family? Ugh.
Matt 11:3 -- John is doubting "in the darkness" (when things aren't going well for him) what God showed him "in the light" (when his life was easier). Lord, may I never do this.
Matt 11:30 -- When I am not walking with Jesus, carrying His light burden, I'm carrying my own heavy burdens.
Matt 12:36 -- Scary. Flat out scary. "Every idle word will be judged." How many stupid things have I said over the years? Over the last day?
Matt 9 Everybody is Welcome When you look at the list of people that Jesus hung around with, it makes me uncomfortable for myself. He WANTED to be around those that would make me feel nervous. Why can't I be as accepting and compassionate toward others? I have a really long way to go in this area. I am way to quick to say that's not my gift to help in that area. Isn't there a spiritual gift list somewhere that says I get to sit back on Sunday's and write a tithe check to equip those that have the gift to work on the front lines of winning others to Christ? I think I'm too much of a Johnson County Christian!!
Matt. 10 Marching Orders I can only imagine what was going on in the disciples heads when Jesus was giving them their instructions in this chapter. My thoughts might have been "Is this what I really signed up for?" Up until now it was cool to be part of Jesus' posse. Front row to the miricles, people move out of the way when you walk by, private time with Jesus and the 12. Now they find out: v.17 "scourges you in their synagogues" v.18 "you wiil be brought before the governors and kings" v.21 your family will turn against you to the point of death v.22 "you will be hated by all" v.23 "when (not if) they persecute you"
vs 35-37 Talks about the pain that will be created in families because of our faith. I have been fortunate so far, but I cannot imagine a greater pain than having your own family turn against you. My parents have been very supportive of me all my life. My kids still think I'm okay...most of the time. It makes me wonder if Jesus died from a "broken heart" when He was separated from God on the cross?
Matthew 9:13 The verse that got me was v13, Jesus said, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." God wants our hearts, our lyality, our love, our compassion much more than he wants a sacrifice (an offering?) Our souls mean more than a sacrifice or offering....Hope I'm right on this one.
Chapter 10: It is all about standing strong. No matter what happens, God will there for me, if I am there for him. V28 says, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but can not kill the soul." Meaning don't fear man, for when you die, it is God's reward that matters most.
I also like v39 "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Another good one about following God not me or someone else.
You were asking about Jesus' travels.....I lifted this from the notes section in my Bible.
Born in Bethlehem South to Egypt (Herod's killing spree) North to Nazareth in Galilee SouthEast to Jordan River (baptized at 30) South to Judean desert (Tempted by the devil) North to Capernaum Ministered around Israel: South to Gadarenes (healed 2 demon possessed men) North to Shores of Galilee near Bethsaida (fed 5000) West to Gennesaret (healed the sick) North to Tyre (ministered to Gentiles) North to Sidon (ministered to Gentiles) SouthEast to Caesarea Phillippe (Peter declared Jesus as the Messiah) South to Perea, Jordan East to Jericho East to Jerusalem (final days South to Bethany at night (final nights) Crucified in Jerusalem
My take on Chapter 9 is faith. According to your faith it will be done to you. We have no reason NOT to believe in the power of our Almighty Father. He wants to fill our lives and all we have to do is trust Him and believe. Faith.
Chapter 10... freely you have received, freely give. I pray my heart lives by this.
"Be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." I LIKE it!
The rest of the chapter serves as a reminder to me that living God's purpose for my life is what is important... and if I do that...despite hardship, weakness, fear, etc.... than I'm where I need to be... in His arms always. I pray to stay there and seek Him first.
I read last night but didn't post to the blog ...
ReplyDeleteMatt 7:14 - first I want to thank God & PRAISE Him that He helped me find the narrow path & I made the right choice!
Matt 21-23: this just breaks my heart to think about the lost souls in my life who think they are going to heaven for all the wrong reasons. It also reminds me that I NEED to step up my prayer life and be in prayer for their souls and if I haven't yet ... witness to them.
Matt 8:4 - why does Jesus tell him, "SEe that you tell no one ..."?
Again in Matt 9:30 - "See that no one knows it". Why?
Then I sit back and look at all 3 chapters ... after spending 4 days, with not much sleep, of migraines ... I read how Jesus healed over & over. I KNOW I've asked Him to heal me and take them away (Matt 7-12, ask & it will be given) and I believe He can do it. I also read that He heals because of their faith & belief ... do I not have enough? Matt 9:21-22, the woman knew if she just touched his garment, she would be healed. Is it not His will? Is it my thorn? Do I need to grow my faith? I also have prayed to God and asked Him how do I prayed & believe when so many times before it hasn't changed? I guess I just need to keep praying, like the woman with the King?
Today's (Wednesday) reading:
Matt 10:5 - it really popped out that Jesus said do not go into the way of the Gentiles or Samaritans when we are supposed to share the gospel with everyone. Then I realized this is why I need to pray everyday what God wants me to do with the day. He has a perfect plan instead of me just doing the day as usual. Haven't been so good at that, but I'm trying.
Matt 29 - in saying all that above and then reading this verse ... And not one of them (the sparrow) falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. I KNOW nothing happens to me that God doesn't know about and that means He has a perfect plan for me & the best in mind. I need to keep that in my mind. I may not get it or like it or even understand it. But, if nothing is going to happen to a bird without His consent, then what about me.
Matt 10:42 ... cup of cold water?
Chapter 11 - nothing really popped out.
Matt 22-30: this makes me sad for our country since it seems to be divided. That's the way I feel anyway. So, I guess I need to step up my prayers about that too.
Have a good day.
This is Cathy
ReplyDeleteCh 8 God always has time for people who seek him. He helps those who ask. What do I miss out on because I haven’t taken the time to ask for help? Despite all the miracles Jesus could do, he had no home. So if my example is not entangled with the things of the world, even more I need not be. There are still storms in Jesus’ presence but we don’t need to be fearful.
Ch 9 Jesus knows our thoughts. Why are so many of our prayers about healing our sick friends but our passion for their sins being forgiven is nowhere as strong? The sins is really the more imp. Issue. Jesus’ life was one of interruptions. He never seemed stressed or over busy. Even when people laughed him to scorn he just deliberately worked his miracles “According to your faith be it” Is that true of us today? Is that why we feel like we live in a powerless world where God doesn’t do miracles? Because we aren’t calling on him out in the streets begging for a miracle trusting it has got to be Him or we’re sunk. I love it that the God of the universe can be moved with compassion when looking at our lives.
Matt 9-10
ReplyDeleteJesus healed so many of their diseases and strongholds because of their faith and has commissioned us to do the same...are we doing it?
I thought it was interesting all the various warnings & instructions Jesus gave to the disciples when sending them out....but toward the end reminded them to not be afraid of those that can kill the body but not the soul! And how much more worth we are than a sparrow, which he doesn't allow to fall to the ground unless it's God's will for it to happen!
Wow, we are to love nothing and no one more than God, He needs to be our priority over all in our lives...something He reminds me of a lot when I think of turning to someone for comfort, He reminds me He's there to provide that comfort. Even if I had a spouse He told me He'd want me to turn to Him first.
Ch 9:10-13- reminds me to reach out to people living in sin- share God's word with them- God's word can change ANYONE! I DEFINITELY do not do this. In fact, I usually have a problem with people, who I don't know, approaching me about the Bible. I wonder why? I know sometimes it is because of where we are... like one time at Wal-Mart in the cleaning aisle. I had both kids, they were tired, and I was like, "really?? I don't have time for this." But, I didn't say that to her. Luckily, Dawson piped in with, "We already know Jesus." :)
ReplyDeletech9:11-12- loved the "its not the healthy who need a doctor".
ch 9:17- we must always look for new ways to serve God in our lives and to spread God's word. Where else can I serve?
ch 9:27-30- Here's where I have trouble. Jesus didn't heal the blind men right away. When God doesn't answer my prayers right away or at all, maybe He is testing my faith. What am I doing "wrong"? He is telling me I am doing something "wrong". Again, I am reminded to "be still"... listen... and put Him first. But, when prayers go unanswered FOR SO LONG... it is hard not to feel defeated and turn away from God, since He isn't "fixing things".
ch9:37-38- in the world, people are ready to give their lives to Christ, but they don't know how. We need to be prepared to let God use us, to show someone the way to Him. Dear God, help me realize when I am in this situation... and let your words flow through me.
ch 10:1- Jesus called His disciples and they came. NO QUESTIONS asked. When God calls on us, how do we respond? Am I too busy? Is God getting a busy signal? I need to remember to put on my "listening ears" and remember to put Him first. Much easier said than done for me. I am a mom... I tend to put the kids first. How do you NOT put your kids first? Where is the line between not putting your kids first and child neglect?
ch 10:2- list of the 12 disciples. From all walks of life. So when I feel small, uneducated in the Bible, useless, desperate, defeated, etc; I need to remember God uses even "ordinary" people... like me.
10:8- "Freely you have received, freely give." Everything we have is a blessing from God and we should be willing to share with others.
10:42- Be a good model for unselfish service. No one else may see it, but God will.
Kids are officially out of school today. WOOO HOOO!!! Let summer begin!
Jesus does forgive sins! He made it perfectly clear. If you were wondering...wonder no longer. Matt 9:2-7
ReplyDeleteMatt finally enters the scene...everything before this would have probably been info from Jesus directly. I dig Matt's favorite Jesus quote, "I DESIRE MERCY, NOT SACRIFICE!"
Has anyone ever taken all the gospel accounts and figured out where Jesus traveled during His life...from being in the womb to the after the resurrection? That would be a fullon cool trek to do with the tribe...maybe one day.
2 blind men...Jesus tells us to be silent at times...
Will I ever be given the opportunity to heal, cleanse lepers, raise the dead and cast out demons? My faith SUCKS.
I have watched more TV news in the past week since we have been going to the gym. Prop 8, more abortion governmental funding, kids slaughtering kids, judges chosen for all the wrong reasons...To quote one of my favorite ska bands Five Iron Frenzy, "In America it's wonderful, all you have to do is fake it. Own anything you want, all you have to do it take it. Live for today, don't think about tomorrow, Have a good time in America-Gomorrah." I find myself crying on the treadmill begging God to forgive me for my wickedness, and forgive my country for her atrocities. How long does America have before the fullness of her sin is complete? How soon until we who belong to His Household are fully considered demons?
DO NOT FEAR AARON, YOU ARE WORTH MORE THAN MANY SPARROWS.
Lord teach me to take up my cross and follow You each day. Lord I need to give more to my brothers and sisters who are ministering on the front lines like Mark and Krista Crawford who are rescuing prostitutes in Thailand and giving them a new lease on life. (Ivy and I watched TAKEN last night...intense!)
I wrote 1.5 pages in my spiral notebook today. The first 0.5 pages was a prayer of repentance for sin. Then a full page of observations from Matt 10-12:
ReplyDeleteMatt 10:16 -- We are as dumb, defenseless sheep in the midst of hungry, merciless wolves. That's why we need The Shepherd who keeps us safe.
Matt 10:36 -- Enemies in your own house/family? Ugh.
Matt 11:3 -- John is doubting "in the darkness" (when things aren't going well for him) what God showed him "in the light" (when his life was easier). Lord, may I never do this.
Matt 11:30 -- When I am not walking with Jesus, carrying His light burden, I'm carrying my own heavy burdens.
Matt 12:36 -- Scary. Flat out scary. "Every idle word will be judged." How many stupid things have I said over the years? Over the last day?
Matt 9 Everybody is Welcome
ReplyDeleteWhen you look at the list of people that Jesus hung around with, it makes me uncomfortable for myself. He WANTED to be around those that would make me feel nervous. Why can't I be as accepting and compassionate toward others? I have a really long way to go in this area. I am way to quick to say that's not my gift to help in that area. Isn't there a spiritual gift list somewhere that says I get to sit back on Sunday's and write a tithe check to equip those that have the gift to work on the front lines of winning others to Christ? I think I'm too much of a Johnson County Christian!!
Matt. 10 Marching Orders
I can only imagine what was going on in the disciples heads when Jesus was giving them their instructions in this chapter. My thoughts might have been "Is this what I really signed up for?" Up until now it was cool to be part of Jesus' posse. Front row to the miricles, people move out of the way when you walk by, private time with Jesus and the 12. Now they find out:
v.17 "scourges you in their synagogues"
v.18 "you wiil be brought before the governors and kings"
v.21 your family will turn against you to the point of death
v.22 "you will be hated by all"
v.23 "when (not if) they persecute you"
vs 35-37 Talks about the pain that will be created in families because of our faith. I have been fortunate so far, but I cannot imagine a greater pain than having your own family turn against you. My parents have been very supportive of me all my life. My kids still think I'm okay...most of the time. It makes me wonder if Jesus died from a "broken heart" when He was separated from God on the cross?
Matthew 9:13
ReplyDeleteThe verse that got me was v13, Jesus said, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." God wants our hearts, our lyality, our love, our compassion much more than he wants a sacrifice (an offering?) Our souls mean more than a sacrifice or offering....Hope I'm right on this one.
Chapter 10:
It is all about standing strong. No matter what happens, God will there for me, if I am there for him. V28 says, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but can not kill the soul." Meaning don't fear man, for when you die, it is God's reward that matters most.
I also like v39 "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Another good one about following God not me or someone else.
Aaron,
ReplyDeleteYou were asking about Jesus' travels.....I lifted this from the notes section in my Bible.
Born in Bethlehem
South to Egypt (Herod's killing spree)
North to Nazareth in Galilee
SouthEast to Jordan River (baptized at 30)
South to Judean desert (Tempted by the devil)
North to Capernaum
Ministered around Israel:
South to Gadarenes (healed 2 demon
possessed men)
North to Shores of Galilee near Bethsaida
(fed 5000)
West to Gennesaret (healed the sick)
North to Tyre (ministered to Gentiles)
North to Sidon (ministered to Gentiles)
SouthEast to Caesarea Phillippe (Peter
declared Jesus as the Messiah)
South to Perea, Jordan
East to Jericho
East to Jerusalem (final days
South to Bethany at night (final nights)
Crucified in Jerusalem
My take on Chapter 9 is faith. According to your faith it will be done to you. We have no reason NOT to believe in the power of our Almighty Father. He wants to fill our lives and all we have to do is trust Him and believe. Faith.
ReplyDeleteChapter 10... freely you have received, freely give. I pray my heart lives by this.
ReplyDelete"Be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." I LIKE it!
The rest of the chapter serves as a reminder to me that living God's purpose for my life is what is important... and if I do that...despite hardship, weakness, fear, etc.... than I'm where I need to be... in His arms always. I pray to stay there and seek Him first.