JOURNAL
INTRODUCTION
Join us for our fall series, Sermon on the Mount! Use this page to navigate through the digital version of the series journal, including the weekly memory verses and daily devotionals, or click on the link below to purchase a physical copy of the journal.
INTRODUCTION
The Greatest Sermon Ever.
Obeying, that is the hardest part.
It is easy to read God’s Word, listen to God’s Word, and even to talk about God’s Word. What is really hard is obeying God’s Word. It is difficult to submit our lives to God and His Word and to take action steps to live out our faith. Though this is extremely challenging, it is exactly what Jesus calls us to do in the greatest sermon ever, the Sermon on the Mount, recorded for us in Matthew chapters 5-7.
Jesus bookends the Sermon on the Mount with two extremely helpful pieces of information that we need to apply to our lives
so that we can successfully obey God’s Word. The first bookend is found at the beginning of the portion we refer to as the “Beatitudes,” which is the first section of teaching in this sermon. Jesus begins this section with the teaching, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of God.” Some have argued that the entire Bible can be summed up in this one phrase. Jesus is helping us to see that we need to approach Him from a place of spiritual poverty that we might humbly come before the King of the Kingdom of God.
The second bookend is found at the beginning of the portion we refer to as “Build Your House on the Rock,” which is the last section of teaching in this sermon. Jesus begins this section with the teaching, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who builds his house on the rock.” The New Testament writer James argued that we should, “Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only.” Jesus is helping us to see that we need to apply what He teaches to our lives so that we might become faithful and obedient servants of God.
What will happen if we humbly obey God? Right in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us the results that will occur when His people humbly obey His Word. “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Other people will observe our lives and glorify God our Father. This is exactly why it was on my heart to spend a significant season together as a church family working through the greatest sermon ever. May God help us to be a local church family that humbly obeys His Word so that our community around us might see our lives and give glory to our Father in heaven!
May God help each of us to fulfill the vision that He has provided for our church family.
Love Your [Actual] Neighbor,
Joel and Sarah Boone
WELCOME
Thank you for purchasing our companion journal on the Greatest Sermon Ever Told, the Sermon on the Mount! This is a companion piece meant to help you dig deeper into the study of Jesus’ Kingdom teaching, as we go through our series. This journal is filled with many personal stories and discoveries from 44 different writers from our church family, elders, pastoral staff, and Reach partners. Nearly every story is a story of listening to the Lord through His Word and trusting Him as He works in ways greater than we can see.
There are special pages designed to help you journal as you study and pray. We have designed this book for every type of learning style. Michael Kopulos has written an introductory commentary on each section we will be studying. There is a place to take notes for each weekend message, interaction questions for your family or small group, a place to personally journal and write how the Lord might be speaking to you, a place to illustrate a biblical truth you are learning, and suggested verses to memorize during our study. Scripture memory has a great benefit in living an abundant life in the Lord.
Take time to study these selected passages during the week and spend time with the Lord in “secret.” Prayer involves learning to listen to the Holy Spirit as you spend time with your Savior. Reimagine your time in your “prayer closet” as a time when you and the Lord are walking in the garden, as Adam and Eve once did, and as we will do when we see the Lord face to face.
May the Lord bless you as you read, study, write, and grow in your relationship and fellowship with the Lord.
Pastor Lonnie Skiles
INTRODUCTION TO THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
— MICHAEL W.J. KOPULOS, MASTER OF DIVINITY AND RHETORIC, MORETOWONDER.ORG —
Each of the four Gospels is distinctive. The focus of this study, Matthew, attends to the teaching of Christ to the Jews. More than the other Gospels, Matthew quotes the Old Testament, the accepted authority for the Jews. But the Sermon on the Mount attends to more than the mere teaching of Old Testament law. Rabbis throughout the region taught the law. However, Jesus, in this message, purposes to interpret the law, explaining what God intended. This also implies that the teachers of the laws did not fully understand the holiness of God’s standards, nor did they view it through a lens of grace.
THE MAIN ATTRACTION
The radical extremes to which Jesus calls His hearers should have overwhelmed His audience, but the “crowds were amazed at His teaching” (Matthew 7:28 NASB). If the Jews previously thought it impossible to fulfill the law, the authoritative words of Christ would have made clear the sin problem which only the Messiah could resolve. It might seem improbable that people would have been so deeply drawn to His teaching, but He spoke with authority “not as their scribes.” People sensed something different about Jesus. Therefore, the strong admonitions and standards attracted the masses rather than repel them.
INTENTIONAL STRUCTURE
God inspires the writers of the various Bible books to write with intention. An analysis of where the Sermon rests in the record proves almost as important as the sermon itself. Chapters 1 and 2 of Matthew’s Gospel establish the parentage of Christ, while Chapter 3 initiates His public ministry through baptism and the testimony of the already credible John the Baptist.
Matthew then adds to the ethos: His power over Satan and His relation to prophecy. In establishing Jesus’ authority, Matthew notes the beginning of Jesus’ preaching ministry. He also summarizes the calling of His disciples and His healing ministry which drew large crowds.
This lays the foundations for a quick jump right into the gathering of the multitude and the Sermon on the Mount. We should understand that this does not appear here so early in Matthew’s Gospel as a chronological feature so much as it serves as a theological point. Reading it for the purpose of understanding an orthodoxy of the Law and the Prophets proves most beneficial. This focus will well serve us as it did in serving the Jews whom Matthew addressed.
CONTEXTUAL CHARACTER
Framing the Sermon on the Mount in the context of the Gospel as a whole remains critical to pairing Christ’s authority with His purpose. Christ came to provide a remedy with His life as a sacrifice for the sin of the world. Accordingly, He demonstrates a kindness and compassion in many of His interactions. Immediately following the three chapters which comprise the sermon, Chapters 8 and 9 of Matthew’s Gospel are filled with miraculous signs and stories of healings. Therefore, we should take note to apply the law in the context of God’s mercy and grace.
In understanding the law as Jesus explains it, we realize the impossibility of meeting the standards. Yet rather than find this truth overwhelming, the love of God draws us to faith. We lay prostrate and humbled by His compassionate love. The Law does not burden us, it leads us to freedom.
READING AND LIVING THE GOOD NEWS
The Apostle Paul writes, “For the love of Christ controls us… so that those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose on their behalf” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). In reading the Sermon on the Mount, we might find ourselves overwhelmed by the high calling, but the highest calling is to believe that Jesus came to save us from our inability to meet the standard on our own power. Under the power of the Holy Spirit, our Lord promises us victory in both how we live and how we will die. We live free from the bondage of sin. And Death will have no hold on us in Christ Jesus. This is the Gospel we read, the Gospel we live, and the Gospel we share.
SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSES
WEEK 1 — Kingdom Living
Matthew 5:11-12 — “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
WEEK 2 — Exalted Above All
Psalm 95:6-7a — Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!
For He is our God,
and we are the people of His pasture,
and the sheep of His hand.
WEEK 3 — The Law And Kingdom Living
Matthew 5:14-16 — “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
WEEK 4 — A Heart For Righteous Living, Pt.1
Matthew 5:23-24 — “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
WEEK 5 — A Heart For Righteous Living, Pt.2
Matthew 5:44-45 — “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
WEEK 6 — Let's NOT Live Like Hypocrites
Matthew 6:6 — “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
WEEK 7 — Trusting Our Heavenly Father
Matthew 6:19-21 — “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
WEEK 8 — The Truth About Judging
Matthew 7:1-2 — “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”
WEEK 9 — Ask The Lord, Love Like The Lord
Matthew 7:7-8 — “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”
WEEK 10 — The Narrow Road
Matthew 7:13-14 — “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
WEEK 11 — Recognized By Our Fruit
Matthew 7:21 — “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.”
WEEK 12 — One Rock
Matthew 7:24-25 — “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”
WEEK 12: Nov 23-29
ONE ROCK
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
IceBreaker: What time do you usually wake up in the morning? Do you awaken naturally or need an alarm?
Read Matthew 7:21-29 in more than one version.
What is the Father’s will that we are to do?
How is it that some might be shocked and disappointed on the day of judgement?
What is the distinguishing difference between a wise and foolish person?
What are storms in life that you have experienced that caused you to be glad that you were in Christ?
What is your takeaway from these passages of scripture? Did any verse stir up in you a question that was not answered?
DIGGING DEEPER
A Firm Foundation
— CONTRIBUTED BY MICHAEL W.J. KOPULOS / MORETOWONDER.ORG —
ANCHOR TEXT: “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:26 NASB).
COMMENTARY: The analogy of the house built on the rock pulls from a long history in Old Testament literature. This illustration would connect with Jesus’ hearers, as it calls to mind Scripture.
For instance, Ethan the Ezrahite records this of David: “He will call to Me, ‘You are my Father, My God, and the rock of my salvation’” (Psalm 89:26). In a sense, David here represents the faith of Israel and all who believe in the Lord. He also associates the rock with salvation. In this, Jesus’ reference to the foundation of a rock alludes to His saving work on the cross.
The metaphor also associates wisdom with construction. Solomon teaches, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). A reverence for God and His holiness provides a sure foundation upon which to build a life of faith.
But building results from a process. God crafts character over time, in the same way that we take time erecting a structure. Yet, in process, we must sustain what we learn from “[hearing] these words” and “[acting] on them” (v. 24). Even a house built on a firm foundation requires maintenance and improvements.
This means that we live out God’s will with intention, guided by the wisdom that He supplies at our request. We must live deliberately, faithful to His instruction and His will.
APPLICATION: In consideration of that for which we should pray, we should pray for His will and His strength to abide in us and empower us. Obedience to His Word serves to strengthen our faith and our resolve.
PRAYER: “Lord, we lean on Your Word, Your Promise, and Your strength. Grant us the wisdom to build on a firm foundation, as we live out Your will. Amen.”
WEEK 12 - MONDAY
What To Do When Your “House” Collapses
— CONTRIBUTED BY CINDY WATERSON —
At some point in our lives, we will find ourselves in a crisis or a full-on collapse. What will you do when trouble finds you? I can tell you with 100% certainty what NOT to do: Do not fall into the enemy’s trap of blaming Jesus or running from Him, which is our natural tendency.
How do we build our life on the Solid Rock we read about in verse 24? (Re)building our life will require removing all pride and aligning our own will to God’s will for our life by:
1. Begin with prayer and lay your situation at the feet of Jesus.
2. Listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to you.
3. Obey and trust Him!
Joshua 1:9 says, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
The Lord our God is with you! Picture Jesus looking at you with His arms open wide. He is waiting for you to run to Him. It is through His embrace that your chaos will begin to make sense.
Listen to the song by Cody Carnes, “Christ is my Firm Foundation,” and then pray this prayer:
PRAYER: “Lord Jesus, You are my firm foundation, the Rock on which I stand. When everything around me is shaken I put my faith in You, Jesus. You’ve never let me down. You are faithful through generations, so why would You fail now? You won’t! Amen.”
WEEK 12 - TUESDAY
When God Is Silent
— CONTRIBUTED BY PAMELA BOWMAN —
When you feel like God is silent in your life, think of Him as being in the shadows. He’s always there, but you don’t always hear Him or His Spirit. In times like this, you need to trust God and His Word. God is present everywhere at the same time:
“Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord?” (Jeremiah 23:34)
The Book of Esther is an example of when God worked silently. It is the only book in the Bible without God’s name in it, but He was working to save the Jews in Persia. God put Esther on the throne as queen. When Haman wrote an edict (with the king’s permission) “to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods” (Esther 3:13), God gave Esther courage to go to the king and plead for her people’s lives. The king could have killed her for coming to him without being summoned, but God worked, and Esther “won favor.” The king extended an invitation to Esther to approach him (Esther 5:2). God was in the shadows, but He was orchestrating everything to save His people.
God is for you too. If you are a child of God, He will never leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).
PRAYER: “Oh, Lord, help me to trust You, even when You are silent. Help me to listen for You in the Word. Help me to know God deeply and live differently. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
WEEK 12 - WEDNESDAY
When Your House Falls
— CONTRIBUTED BY STEVE LANDES —
Thousands of houses are destroyed each year, causing billions of dollars in damage. Has this ever happened to you? It happened in Job’s family. Job 1:18-19 describes how his children were having a party in the oldest son’s house when a mighty wind from the desert struck the house and it collapsed, killing everyone. The chapter also details how Job’s entire life’s possessions were destroyed, and later, he lost his health.
My house fell on December 6, 2023, when my wife Becky unexpectedly passed away following heart surgery. Despite my initial emotion of feeling forsaken, deep down I knew I had to run to God, not away from God. In His goodness, the Lord gave me Psalm 34:18 as an anchor for my soul. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and He saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Two words in this Psalm were especially comforting. The first word was “close.” God will never abandon us, but draws closer to us, perhaps closer than ever before. The second word was “crushed,” which means to break into small pieces or dust. When our spirit is broken to dust and we cry out to Him, He can form something new. Witness what God did with dust in Genesis 2:7. Our dust in His hands is transforming.
When hard events happen to us, our response should be to lean hard into trusting our Father, letting Him renew our hope and rebuild our life. We then can say with Job “My ears have heard about you but now my eyes have seen you” (Job 42:5).
PRAYER: “Lord, I humbly submit to what You have sovereignly directed or permitted in my life. May I grieve faithfully to bring you glory. Amen.”
WEEK 12 - THURSDAY
Wise Living Flows From Knowing Him
— CONTRIBUTED BY KEN SYLVIA, YOUTH FOR CHRIST —
What are you most afraid of…heights, snakes, death? I’m terrified of spiders. However, my fear of these creatures does not motivate me to be more intimate with them. Proverbs 1:7 tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…”
While Jesus isn’t talking about spiders in Matthew 7, He is declaring that Godly wisdom flows from knowing the Father.
In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name and in Your name drive out demons and, in Your name, perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Wise living must start with recognizing who God is, and who we are not. Relying on ourselves idolizes the creation, rather than worships the Creator (which helps us to understand Jesus’ words in verse 23).
Jesus is pointing out that it’s possible to be a good person, even do miraculous works, and yet miss the point of truly knowing the Father. Knowing what to do about your job, how to handle your kids, wondering if you should give the homeless person money, or even sharing God’s Word must all be reactions to intimately knowing Him, and then being obedient to His will.
PRAYER: “Dear God, I choose to humble myself before You. Help me to know You today. May my thoughts and deeds be reactions to my intimacy with You. Amen.”
WEEK 12 - FRIDAY
Obedience To God’s Word
— CONTRIBUTED BY ERIC HEINRICH —
Jesus closes the Sermon on the Mount with a strong warning. It’s not just hearing, meditating, considering, or wanting the will of God, it’s DOING what He says to do. A call to action…active obedience!
James said, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer,…But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing” (James 1:21-25).
Hearing and then doing exhibits what we truly believe.
A couple of questions to consider:
• Have I turned my life over to Christ in complete surrender to His will?
• Do I see myself as a slave to God, obeying and living according to His Word?
Jesus said, “Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple” (Luke 14:33 MSG).
We are to heed every word from the mouth of God, as it is the absolute authority on how we live.
PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, open and awaken my heart as I hear Your Word. May the Holy Spirit help me live with an all-in at-all- cost obedience. Amen.”
WEEK 11: Nov 16-22
RECOGNIZED BY OUR FRUIT
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
IceBreaker: What jingle comes to your mind? Hum or whistle it right now and see if others can correctly guess it!
Read Matthew 7:15-20 and 2 Timothy 4:1-5 in more than one version.
What are some of the characteristics of a false teacher? How can we protect ourselves from being deceived?
Describe the difference between spiritually good fruit and bad fruit. What does bad fruit look like?
What is the danger of a false teacher?
The Apostle Paul warned Timothy of a coming danger. How does a church begin to drift away?
What is your takeaway from these passages of scripture? Did any verse stir up in you a question that was not answered?
DIGGING DEEPER
Authentic Christianity
— CONTRIBUTED BY MICHAEL W.J. KOPULOS / MORETOWONDER.ORG —
ANCHOR TEXT: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” (Matthew 7:21 NASB).
COMMENTARY: Continuing in His discussion of right living, Jesus warns against false teachers who lead people astray, making claims of faith but not demonstrating it by their actions. He compares them to “ravenous wolves” appearing as innocent sheep (v. 15). God does not tolerate those who make false claims of religiosity. He will cast them out (v. 19).
A verbal confession does not on its own bear witness to orthodoxy, but actions (v. 21). Actions spawn from the attitudes of the heart as indicated in this illustration: “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit” (v. 18).
Of note, this instruction equally applies to all people. God requires a steadfast commitment to His will which indicates the inclination of the heart. This doing (ποιῶν, poion) of the Father’s will, a present active participle, indicates a need for integrity.
Of great import, Jesus describes the way as constricted (v. 14), τεθλιμμένη (tethlimmeni). This perfect tense verb means God has permanently fixed the way that leads to life. This leaves no ambiguity whatsoever. We must dedicate ourselves to His will.
Ultimately, we should note that Jesus does not intend to cast doubt on a person of faith so much as warn people of heresy and inspire obedience to the Word of God.
Moreover, a demonstration of obedience builds confidence in the legitimacy of our faith.
APPLICATION: The psalmist reminds us that His “word is a lamp to [our] feet, and a light to [our] path” (Psalm 119:105). Furthermore, the apostle Paul assures us that “He who began a good work among [us] will complete it…” (Philippians 1:6).
PRAYER: “Lord, lead us as our Gentle Shepherd. Create a hunger and a thirst for righteousness so that we may stay in Your will. Amen.”
WEEK 11 - MONDAY
By Their Fruits They Will Be Known
— CONTRIBUTED BY DARRYL ONE, ELDER —
In the 1980’s, Christian singer Keith Green was an example of an uncompromising believer. His music showed his amazing faith and one song said: “People smile at me and ask me what it is, that makes them want to be just like I am, so I just point to You and tell them yes it’s true, I’m no special one, I’m just one man, it’s because of You…” Keith was speaking about his own life. His fruits were evident.
If we believe these fruits are the same as in Galatians 5:22, then they are “love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, fidelity, meekness, and self-control.” This means loving everyone in a selfless, sacrificial way with an ever-present joy not dependent on circumstances. It means being peaceful and patient with kindness and goodness (moral excellence). Finally, it means being faithful (always true to your word), gentle (humble and compassionate), and having self-control (discipline and restraint, especially in the face of temptation). That is an amazing and daunting list!
Can we model these fruits all the time? Maybe not, but it is our duty to always try. Certainly, God can help, and if we ask, He will (Matthew 7:7.) However, we have our part to do as well (James 2:14-26).
1 Timothy 4:12 tells us this, “…in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show ourselves as an example of those who believe.”
PRAYER: “Dear God, help me to grow and display my fruit to the world around me, and equip me to be ready to share Your gift of salvation. Amen.”
WEEK 11 - TUESDAY
Bearing Good Fruit In Our Lives
— CONTRIBUTED BY MICAH PAYTON —
One of the leaders I most admire is S. Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A. He built a successful restaurant chain based on biblical principles and consistently modeling his life verse, Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Mr. Cathy pursued Christ first. Only then was he able to bear good fruit in his business and home life.
Think of the most influential leader or pastor in your life. What do you most admire about them, and why? Is your admiration due to their entertaining messages, oratory skill, fame, wealth,
or power? Or is it that, after examining their life, you see them consistently seeking to glorify Christ, minimize themselves, and produce “good fruit?” While we are all subject to sin, fruit-bearing leaders can be recognized by the consistent, good fruit they produce.
In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus warns us to watch out for false prophets, motivated by glorifying themselves with temporary, earthly treasures like money and prestige. In this passage, Jesus repeats that “you will recognize” false teachers because they cannot produce good fruit. Today, it is critical that we understand what is necessary to bear good fruit. In John 15, Jesus explains, “I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” Jesus tells us that apart from receiving Him as Savior and Lord (John 1:12), our individual efforts will be unfruitful.
PRAYER: “Father, help me remain close to You, to absolutely depend on You, to put my faith and trust in You alone, so that I may bear good fruit for your glory. Amen.”
WEEK 11 - WEDNESDAY
21st Century False Teachings
— CONTRIBUTED BY CHRISTIE ERICKSEN —
Let’s look at some teachings that lead to the wide path.
Follow your heart. It sounds good! Yet, Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Think about that.
God will never give you more than you can handle. This is said to encourage, but what does scripture say?
Philippians 4:11-13 “…I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am… in humble means, and in prosperity… I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Paul talks about God giving him a thorn in the flesh lest he become conceited. He pleaded with the Lord to take it away, but the Lord told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” It isn’t that He won’t give us more than we handle. It’s that He has the power to use us despite our thorns. Let’s lean into the Lord, rather than trying to handle things on our own.
I deserve better. Entitlement has saturated our culture. I’m thankful for my Grandma Nellie who told me, “What we deserve is hell and damnation.” What we get is mercy, which we don’t deserve.
In Job 1:21, Job fell to the ground in worship and said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”
PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, thank You that You hold me securely in Your hands! Thank you that nothing can ever separate me from Your love. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. May I be a blessing and an encouragement to someone today. Amen.”
WEEK 11 - THURSDAY
Being Like The Bereans
— CONTRIBUTED BY PAMELA BOWMAN —
Paul visited Berea on his third missionary journey. He and Silas had just been jailed, and miraculously set free in Thessalonica.
The Bereans set themselves apart from others by examining the Scriptures every day to check what Paul was preaching. What great examples! It is a wonderful discipline to daily read the Word of God. Men make mistakes, but the Word of God is truth. Do you study the Scriptures daily?
In Jeremiah 35 we read of a family named Rechabites that did not drink wine. God sent Jeremiah to bring them to the temple and give them wine. When Jeremiah offered them wine, this was their reply, “We will drink no wine, for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, ‘You shall not drink wine, neither you nor your sons forever’” (v.6). God used this family as an object lesson to His people who were not obeying Him: “The sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have kept the command that their father gave them, but this people has not obeyed Me” (v.16). If this family obeyed their earthly father, how much more should we obey our heavenly Father? I encourage you to make it a daily habit to read the Bible.
If you are a female and would like to deeply study the Word of God and you have time to work on it each day, check out Precept Bible Study, here at Big Valley Grace.
PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, increase my love for Your Word. Open my heart, my eyes, my ears that I might better know You and have a greater comprehension of the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ and be filled full of You. Amen.”
WEEK 11 - FRIDAY
Stay Connected To God
— CONTRIBUTED BY JOHN SILVA, ELDER —
It saddens me that people lead others away from God, especially those who do it for personal gain. Matthew 7:15 compares them to ravenous wolves, tearing apart the sheep as they pretend to do good. How can we prevent this from happening to us?
I am reminded of the passage in 2 Timothy 2:15 that tells us to “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” One way we can ward off the “wolves” is by reading, studying and meditating on the Word. Another way is by staying connected to God. We will know the voice of the true Shepherd when we spend time with Him. Then we won’t be like “children, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). Then we will know whether those we hear are speaking truth. I am reminded of the way bank tellers can spot a counterfeit bill. They handle real bills all day. So, as soon as they encounter a counterfeit bill, they can tell. The same goes for us. If we stay connected with God, we will recognize “wolves.”
Matthew 7:16-20 tells us that we can “know them by their fruit.” In the fields around us, there is a weed that grows on a vine. It looks like a small watermelon. It looks delicious, but it never ripens. It has all the markings of a watermelon but none of the benefits. And it robs fruit-bearing vines of essential nutrients. False prophets are similar.
PRAYER: “Father, help us to stay connected to you, the one true God, so that we produce good fruit for the benefit of others! Amen.”
WEEK 10: Nov 9-15
THE NARROW ROAD
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
IceBreaker: What’s one fashion trend you hope never comes back? Which ones have come back that you wish hadn’t?
Read Matthew 7:13-14 and Psalm 1 in more than one version.
What are some ways we are enticed to walk down the wide/broad way, away from Christ?
How did Jesus get your attention and call you to change direction in your life and to follow Him?
What is our responsibility when friends or members of our family are walking down a road that leads to destruction?
What gives you hope as you pray?
What is your takeaway from these passages of scripture? Did any verse stir up in you a question that was not answered?
DIGGING DEEPER
The Narrow Road
— CONTRIBUTED BY MICHAEL W.J. KOPULOS / MORETOWONDER.ORG —
ANCHOR TEXT: “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB).
COMMENTARY: When we think of a journey, we think of both the route and the destination. We also understand that the impetus of movement ideally remains consistent toward the desired end without deviation or delay. This requires attention to steering the vessel and maintaining speed. Thus, we direct our lives by the Word of God which specifically details the course. Yet, we cannot depend on our own strength to remain faithful. Rather, we rely on His guidance and power.
The two paths also share an important detail in common, that which leads. The Greek for leads, ἀπάγουσα (apagousa), presents as a present active participle, the same form to which Jesus references believing and doing. This indicates that the ways of a man express themselves in habit and character, a continuation of right actions.
Of note, the contrast between the few and the many may trouble us. But, more than a head count, Jesus highlights the importance of distinctly specified instruction. He in no way seeks to discourage the pursuit. Rather, He advocates its intensity.
Jesus clearly delineates between the ways of God and the ways of the world in the Greek word for constricted, τεθλιμμένη (tethlimmeni). This word literally means to be pressed together, indicating that God directs those who find the way.
APPLICATION: We desperately need God’s guidance and grace as we navigate the narrow gate. God gives many clear instructions, yet we can find it challenging to apply them to specific circumstances in life.
PRAYER: “Lord, if not for You, we would not journey the narrow road. For by Your grace we found it and by Your power we hold fast the course which You set before us. Amen.”
WEEK 10 - MONDAY
Finding The Right Road
— CONTRIBUTED BY PASTOR LONNIE SKILES, PASTOR EMERITUS —
Years ago, we got completely lost while driving. It was in the days when we had a GPS mounted on our dash. We had inadvertently plugged in the wrong address, and we ended up on a dirt road in a remote location in the hills. We drove almost two hours going the wrong direction. Following directions is one thing, following the right directions is another!
There are a lot of voices telling us how we ought to live our lives. Frequently, we’re advised to “follow your heart,” “listen to your gut,” “no harm, no foul.” The enemy of our soul would love to feed us directions that seem good, but that lead to great ruin. How can we sort through all the contemporary voices and find the voice that leads to abundant life?
Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me!” (John 14:6) Our Heavenly Father wants to give us a fruitful life. Repeatedly, His Word describes the life of someone with wisdom, and someone who is foolish. Our Heavenly Father wants our lives to bear lasting fruit. A life that results with treasures stored up in Heaven.
His Word will restore our souls. His Word will make the simple person wise and make the heart glad. As we study His Word, we will find His Word more desirable and precious than any earthly riches! As His Word lives deeply in us, our Heavenly Father will bear fruit through our lives, and that fruit will remain (John 15:16).
PRAYER: “Father in Heaven, increase my love for Your Word so that it will live deeply in me and that my life will bear lasting fruit for You! Amen.”
WEEK 10 - TUESDAY
The Path Of Wisdom
— CONTRIBUTED BY GARY ERICKSEN, ELDER —
I enjoy a good vigorous hike. I will attempt to hike Half Dome for the sixth time in my life during the summer of 2024. I cherish time in the outdoors—starting early, fresh air, the physical challenge, the rush of hanging off those cables on the final push to the summit, the wind at the top, and finally, the sense of accomplishment as we descend back to the valley floor. I can hardly wait! Just writing this has me excited for the opportunity to test myself once again on the path to the summit at 8,800 feet.
As exciting as it is to hang off the granite face nearly a mile above the Yosemite Valley floor, the rush of receiving God’s wisdom far outweighs the heights of Half Dome. Today’s scripture is what I call a triple “if/then” statement. If we accept His word, turn and apply. If we call out (ask). If we look/search…THEN, we will find the knowledge (wisdom) of God.
That is the best trail of all. Join me today as together we seek HIS wisdom.
PRAYER: “Father, today may I be God-focused in my seeking. Thank You for generous provision. Thank You for providing a path to Your wisdom. Just like the path to the top of Half Dome, it has many opportunities to turn around and quit. May I not become weary, but rather keep seeking Your wisdom today. Super thankful for Jesus. In His name I pray, Amen.”
WEEK 10 - WEDNESDAY
Deceptive Work Of The Enemy
— CONTRIBUTED BY KATIE FUENTES,
GLOBAL REACH COORDINATOR & EXEC ASSISTANT TO SENIOR PASTOR —
Every day we make decisions that affect our lives and the lives of others. Some of our choices make tiny ripples that are barely noticeable, while others bring great swells of cascading consequences. The world we live in today thrives on division and deception, and our enemy knows our weaknesses. “…For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many” (Matthew 7:13).
As believers, we need to recognize the fork in the road to prepare ourselves and others for the journey leading into heaven’s narrow gate. “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:14)
Satan’s strategy has not changed since creation. The attack on mankind is like a transparent veil, seemingly harmless at first. Then the layers begin to gather and cause obscurity. Governments, institutions, education, businesses, and society have deemed faith-based activities as radical coordination. Exposure to the gospel can be more “dangerous” than terrorism.
As Christians, it should crush our grace-filled spirit that those who have not given their lives to the Lord are destined to an infinite, soulless abyss. The mission seems insurmountable. However, Jesus provides the blueprint through the Great Commission mandate in Matthew 28:18-20. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit…and behold, I am with you always.”
PRAYER: “Father in Heaven, guard me from the deceptive tricks of the enemy and compromises in my life that would hinder my witness for You. Burden my heart with that which burdens Yours and may You fulfill Your Kingdom purposes in me. Amen.”
WEEK 10 - THURSDAY
Discernment
— CONTRIBUTED BY RICK ELLIOTT —
Many ask, “What is discernment?” It is the idea of making the best choice while comprehending what is often obscure or difficult to perceive. It helps people to recognize us as children of God. Some may call this wisdom. It is an elusive and precious gift from God that requires a humble, prayerful, and submissive spirit. You must step away from what is best for yourself and draw close to God to know what God’s will is in each choice you make. This includes making sacrificial choices while drawing on the wisdom that comes only from a close relationship with God.
In Proverbs 2:1-6, we find that God’s Word tells us to “receive my words,” and to “incline your ear to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding,” and then “The Lord gives wisdom.” You see in these words, that you must draw close to God and listen carefully to hear from Him. The best example I can think of is when a parent gives up what they want to do and selects what is best for their child or children. We often call this sacrificial love, but it also takes discernment to make the wisest choices.
Discernment is a wonderful gift to have and to use in your daily walk. Try to use it all the time. Watch and see how God will use you to be a blessing to others and bless you at the same time.
PRAYER: “Father in Heaven, open my eyes to see what You see. Help me to hunger and thirst for the things that You desire for me. Help me not to love the world or the things that are in the world so that the love of the Father would be in me! Amen.”
WEEK 10 - FRIDAY
Fresh Starts On The Narrow Road
— CONTRIBUTED BY RACQUEL LOPEZ —
Motherhood is filled with decisions. Each day brings opportunities for fresh starts—moments when we can choose to guide our children and ourselves along the narrow road that leads to life. It’s not the easiest road, but it’s the most rewarding.
In the busyness of life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the choices we face. The broad road can tempt us with all its shortcuts, but deep down, we know it doesn’t lead to the fulfilment we seek.
The narrow road requires us to be intentional. It means waking up each day and choosing patience over frustration, love over indifference, and faith over fear. It means forgiving ourselves for the mistakes we make and embracing the grace that allows us to start anew.
The narrow road feels impossible, and the demands of life weigh heavy some days. On these days, remember that we are not alone. God walks with us, offering His strength and guidance. Lean into His presence, seek His wisdom, and trust that each step on the narrow road brings us closer to His promise of abundant life.
Take heart. Embrace each new beginning with confidence that you are equipped for this journey. Celebrate small victories and learn from setbacks. The narrow road is not just a path of difficulty; it’s a road paved with divine opportunities for growth, love, and transformation.
PRAYER: “Lord, thank You for the gift of fresh starts. Help me to choose the narrow road each day, guiding my children with Your love and wisdom. Strengthen me when the journey feels hard, and remind me of Your constant presence. May my life reflect Your grace and truth, leading my family towards the abundant life You promise. Amen.”
WEEK 9: Nov 2-8
ASK THE LORD, LOVE LIKE THE LORD
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
IceBreaker: What’s your favorite kind of candy?
Read Matthew 7:7-12 in more than one version.
How do you deal with waiting on God to answer prayer?
Is there something that you are waiting on the Lord in prayer?
What do you learn about the nature and character of God in this section of Jesus’ message? How does this comfort you?
What is the Lord’s expectation of us as we pray?
What is your takeaway from these passages of scripture? Did any verse stir up in you a question that was not answered?
DIGGING DEEPER
Ask And Love Like The Lord
— CONTRIBUTED BY MICHAEL W.J. KOPULOS / MORETOWONDER.ORG —
ANCHOR TEXT: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7 NASB).
COMMENTARY: The open-ended nature of these verses reminds us to account for the suffering under which Jesus’ hearers lived. In looking at His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated that God cares for every kind of need. The verse pictures this in the transitive verbs which lack the normal objects.
Matthew does not specify for what we should ask, seek, or knock. This relates the openness of God to our prayers. Moreover, the three-fold formula (ask, seek, knock) symbolically points to God as the sole giver. Thus, the Lord proves the ultimate source in meeting every need.
One thing for sure, we must continue in a posture of looking to God for the answer. Overall, the Lord calls His hearers to a reliant relationship, one that involves faith in and recognition of the Lord’s omnipotence and steadfast love, for God does not want us to worry for anything (6:32). Moreover, we need not worry about praying correctly or enough; pray. More than a formula, this passage highlights God’s love in supplying good gifts to those whom He loves.
John writes: “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14). As we learn of God’s loving kindness and His purposes, we gain confidence, assured of God’s faithfulness in meeting evert concern of the heart.
APPLICATION: An earnest request recognizes the goodness, generosity, and power of God available to us. He cares for the slightest detail and proves capable of meeting the greatest need. Pray with confidence in God’s faithful answer. Despite any delay, let us stay on our knees.
PRAYER: “Lord, help us to both trust in You and rely upon You. May we grow in the understanding of Your love and Your kingdom purposes, asking accordingly in full faith. Amen.”
WEEK 9 - MONDAY
Ask And You Shall Receive
— CONTRIBUTED BY ROCCO PANAPINTO, GLOBAL REACH PARTNER —
We should not view prayer as a vending machine. 1 John 5:14 tells us that our requests must agree with God’s will. Looking back, I am personally grateful that God has not fulfilled every one of my impulsive requests!
Recently, at our Persian-speaking home Bible study for people with an Islamic background, we went through a series dealing with the Sermon on the Mount. When we came to the above verse, I was asked: “Wait, if God is all-knowing, then why do we need to ask Him for anything?” Just a couple of weeks prior, we had spoken about that in Matthew 6:8, and I explained with the following example: When our children were infants, we knew their needs and provided them, because they could not yet speak. However, when they grew older, we required that they communicate to us what they needed or wanted. Although we knew what they wanted, we wanted to hear it from them first. This was vital for their development.
In the same way, our good Father in Heaven wants us to actively communicate our needs for the further development of our relationship with Him. He doesn’t want to force things upon us. He wants us to be active participants and not passive recipients. This is why it is written in James 4:2: “You do not have, because you do not ask.” Sure, sometimes we don’t receive, because we ask with wrong motives (James 4:3). We need to ask ourselves, how many things did God have prepared for me, but they remained on the shelf, because I didn’t ask? I would like to challenge you to be active participants for God’s glory! Ask Him!
PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, I know you already know my needs. Help me to remember that You desire to hear from me just as a parent desires to hear from their child. Thank you for always listening. Amen.”
WEEK 9 - TUESDAY
Confidence In God When We Pray
— CONTRIBUTED BY MICHAH & JANAE PAYTON —
In 2 Chronicles 20, we read a prayer by King Jehoshaphat that demonstrates great confidence and trust in God. In verses 1-2, three surrounding countries of Judah come against them. Verse 3 says, “Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all of Judah.”
First, we see that Jehoshaphat doesn’t hide his fear. Jehoshaphat’s first response was to set his face to seek the Lord. Then he called his country to do the same.
In verses 5-6, Jehoshaphat then proclaims who God is and boldly declares His might. When you face insurmountable obstacles in life, let your first response be to proclaim the goodness of God.
In verses 7-9, Jehoshaphat recalls God’s faithfulness, promises and providence. When you face your own trails, remember where you have seen God’s faithfulness, both in your life and in His Word.
In verses 10-12, Jehoshaphat claims God’s promises and seeks His help. He prays, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” This is not a statement rooted in fear, but a prayer grounded in confidence. God will act, God will come through… and He does. In a miraculous battle, God destroys the opposing armies, and Jehoshaphat and his people need only show up and worship!
Next time you are confronted with a challenge, set your face to seek the Lord. Proclaim His might. Recall His faithfulness. Claim His promises. Ask for His help with confidence. He will show up!
PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, I’m so glad that You are the God of impossibilities. Nothing is too difficult for You and You are worthy of my full trust and confidence. Help me as I wait upon You! Amen.”
WEEK 9 - WEDNESDAY
Persistence In Prayer
— CONTRIBUTED BY CHARLOTTE HEISEL —
P U S H – Pray Until Something Happens
F R O G – Fully Rely On God
G A P – God Answers Prayer
Here is a quote from a lesson taught in Middle School Ministries on prayer, “We need to PUSH the FROG over the GAP. We are to pray until something happens, fully relying on God, and God will answer prayer.”
How we should pray:
Posture: Confess sins before giving God petitions. Pray with a humble heart. Acknowledge God’s sovereignty. He will provide all our needs, and it will be nothing less than His best.
Perspective: Rejoice for how God has provided in the past, be thankful for how He will answer our present request, and praise Him for walking the path of life with us.
Patience: Wait on His perfect timing. God does answer every prayer. His answers are “yes,” “no,” and “not now, my child.”
Persist: Notice that these verbs are present tense, reminding us to keep praying. Prayer is not a one and done thing to check off on your To-Do list. While continually asking, seeking, and knocking, God will mold our hearts. So, when his answer comes, we see it is His best.
In closing, remember these words from an old hymn “Whisper a Prayer,” by John H Benson.
“Whisper a prayer in the morning, whisper a prayer at noon: Whisper a prayer in the evening, to keep your heart in tune.”
PRAYER: “Father in Heaven, thank You that my prayers and requests are never forgotten and that Your way and timing are perfect. Help me to hold fast, trusting in You, as I wait upon You! Amen.”
WEEK 9 - THURSDAY
My Desires And God’s Will
— CONTRIBUTED BY PASTOR BEN KELLEY, PASTOR OF YOUNG MARRIEDS —
When God wills the end, He also wills the means. Thus, prayer does not change what God has purposed to do. It is the means by which He accomplishes His end.
• Prayer gives us a right attitude regarding God’s will.
• Prayer is not getting God to do our will. It is demonstrating our concern that God’s will be done.
Jesus taught us to pray, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done,” before “Give us this day our daily bread…”
Jesus also taught us persistence in prayer (Luke 18:1). Persistence makes it apparent that our petition is important to us, as it is to God.
We do not always receive what we ask for! When we understand that God is our perfect Heavenly Father, we believe that He will provide for us what is best.
Consider:
• What (issue, person, problem) do you pray about the most?
• What is your attitude concerning this prayer request?
• Do you believe that God is concerned with this request as much as you are?
• If this request were answered, would it accomplish His will or yours?
• What might the Lord be wanting to teach you in regard to this?
PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, I am trusting in You. Your plan is perfect and good. You are working in ways that may seem hidden to me, but are there, none the less. Thank you for loving me and being patient with me while I wait on You. Amen.”
WEEK 9 - FRIDAY
Prayers That God Answers
— CONTRIBUTED BY RICK ELLIOTT —
There is an eternal truth hidden in this topic. The God of all creation knows our every thought and our every need all the time and everywhere we go. He knows what was, what is, and what
is to come. We are eternally in His presence, and His eyes are always on us. As blessed as that makes us, we still have problems and trials.
So, what do we do when we are troubled or worried about something? The Bible tells us that Jesus said to, “Come to Me.” We’re to bring our requests to Jesus in prayer and supplication (Matthew 11:28-30). These verses convey an instruction and a promise that is more precious than silver or gold.
It is difficult to trust Jesus with our needs, but that is what He wants us to do. He wants us to trust in Him alone for all things. God does answer every prayer of a believer that is in His will, but He answers in His own perfect way and in His own perfect time. And the answers result in growing our faith or the faith of someone else.
Sometimes God uses other people to answer our prayers. If you hear God calling you to give a hand, do so humbly and in love. Remember, He does this to bring Glory to Himself.
PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, I am so grateful that I can come to You at any time. Thank You that You are always near and that I am securely in Your hands. Thank You that I can cast every care of mine into Your hands. Thank You for Your peace in the midst of my trials as I wait upon You. Amen.”
WEEK 8: Oct 26-Nov 1
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
IceBreaker: What’s the worst tasting thing you’ve ever eaten?
Read Matthew 7:1-6 and Galatians 6:1-5 in more than one version.
What is Jesus teaching us about judging others?
What helps us in evaluating our own lives before we seek to help others?
What is our responsibility to one another in regard to our walk with Christ? What is the line between being busy bodies and minding one’s own business?
How and when should we confront one another?
What is your takeaway from these passages of scripture? Did any verse stir up in you a question that was not answered?
DIGGING DEEPER
The Truth About Judging
— CONTRIBUTED BY MICHAEL W.J. KOPULOS / MORETOWONDER.ORG —
ANCHOR TEXT: “Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:1-6 NASB).
COMMENTARY: This verse proves difficult to both understand and apply. To assume that we must manufacture a forgiving spirit on our own violates the heart of a grace theology: “We love, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). God’s forgiveness exceeds our capacity to forgive, yet He calls us as ambassadors of His grace to forgive others. Ultimately, that which we receive, we must share.
In truth, without a sinless Christ, we live void of hope. Thus, an attitude of grace—with regard to love, forgiveness, or judgment—stems solely from the love that we experience of God in Christ. The strong admonition in this passage serves to remind us that we stand exempt from His judgment, considered righteous in the Father’s sight, as result of Christ’s work, not our own.
Jesus says that we should “first take the log out of [our] own eye” (v. 4). Any thought for the fault of others should produce an edifying response if any at all. Clear sight will aid us in assisting others in following Christ.
Therefore, a focus on self-examination over a critique of others proves more beneficial. Practically speaking, an inverse understanding of this verse may well make sense of it: the standard of measure that we apply to others, we should apply to ourselves.
APPLICATION: Therefore, this verse reminds us to take stock of God’s mercies. We should look soberly at our lives and reflect on our imperfections. It might even help to correlate someone else’s faults with our own. Likely, the thing to which we repulse, we may well own.
PRAYER: “Lord, may we look generously about the faults of others, denying our self-interest and applying the love that we have received in Christ to their errors in a similar kindness. Amen.”
WEEK 8 - MONDAY
Beams And Splinters
— CONTRIBUTED BY PASTOR RICK THOMPSON, PASTOR EMERITUS —
I was seventeen when my father divorced my mom and married another woman with four teenage children. For several years, I carried bitterness and resentment in my heart toward them. But God used Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:1-5 to help change my heart, which led to the changing of our relationships.
Jesus said, “Do not judge!” This may be one of the most disobeyed commands in Scripture. Jesus is not saying we should never make judgments or assessments of others. He commands us, however, to not be judgmental or critical toward others. And He emphatically warns us that how we judge others is how we too will be judged.
We become judgmental toward others when we focus on their faults and sins and fail to recognize and deal with our own. Criticizing others for the splinter in their eye only reveals that we have a beam in our own eye. This is the reason for broken and severed relationships.
Thus, Jesus commands, “first take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.” For relationships to change, we first must accept responsibility for our attitudes and actions. If we want to see others change, we must ask God to change us first!
PRAYER: “Dear Lord, forgive me for all the times I have been judgmental and critical toward others through my words, attitudes, actions, and thoughts. Please show me anyone that I have ever been critical toward, that I may ask their forgiveness. Thank You for looking beyond all my faults to see my need. Please help me to always look at others the way You have looked at me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”
WEEK 8 - TUESDAY
Beware Of The Log!
— CONTRIBUTED BY CHARLOTTE HEISEL, BVG RECEPTIONIST —
When I judge someone from a place of pride, looking only at their faults and not my own, I judge them with a spirit of criticism. This clouds my perceptions and the ability to see God working. Many times, the judging is done away from others, displaying a spirit of hypocrisy. When ignoring the log, I miss opportunities to see how God is working in others’ lives. Once in the habit of judging others, it becomes very hard to stop. When I acknowledge the log, its removal needs to start with a heart check.
Heart Check:
• Is my heart beating in sync with Christ or self?
• How do I need to realign my priorities?
• Does reading God’s Word and prayer start my day, or end it? Is it scheduled at all?
• Do I meditate on God’s Word? Is my time spent thinking more of self or the foolishness of others?
• Do I spend time in prayer beyond mealtimes?
When my heart is aligned back with God’s, my attitude will change from critical to joyful. My words will change from harsh to encouraging. I will desire to spend time with God in His word, and in prayer. When God’s word permeates my thinking, my attitude will be one of humility.
When I get rid of one log, it does not bring immunity for any future logs. Heart checks need to be done on a regular basis. Schedule yours today!
PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, put a watch upon my heart that I might be slow to judge and assume the worse but quick to show grace and lovingkindness. Guard my tongue from criticizing and complaining, and may my words today give grace to those who hear. Amen.”
WEEK 8 - WEDNESDAY
Rush To Judgment
— CONTRIBUTED BY PASTOR LONNIE SKILES, PASTOR EMERITUS —
In 2021 a rumor circulated in Canada and ended up on Wikipedia that mass graves of over 215 indigenous children were found on the site of a former Catholic-run boarding school. Newspapers, television, and even government officials for weeks spoke of the outrageous and hideous crime that supposedly took place at the school. Flags were lowered to half-mast, and even Prime Minister Trudeau declared on Twitter that the incident was “a painful reminder of that dark and shameful chapter of our country’s history.”
Three years later, and after spending over $8 million excavating the grounds of the school, not one bone or grave has been found. It was all a hoax! The rush to judgment without all the facts inflamed old prejudices and fears, and conservative news and entertainment network The Blace reported that over 80 churches have been burned seeking retribution!
Do we ever do that? Do we ever quickly make a judgment about a situation without all the facts? Sometimes quick judgments and misunderstandings ruin relationships. Maybe the waitress who offered poor service was not purposefully neglectful but just got news that her child has cancer, or her husband left her for another woman. Maybe the neighbor who hasn’t mowed his/ her lawn two houses down from you is facing a terrible personal crisis. Maybe the person who cut you off on the freeway was rushing to the hospital to be with a loved one.
The command to love one another is about believing the best about people and not rushing to critical and uniformed judgments.
PRAYER: “Lord Jesus, help me to show grace today to those who serve me and who I encounter, so that they might see more of You in me! Amen.”
WEEK 8 - THURSDAY
Proper Judgment
— CONTRIBUTED BY CHRISTY ERICKSEN —
Our world is quick to say that we ought not judge. How does that align with what Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:1-6?
What are examples of improper judgment?
• Judging someone’s motives or appearance (James 2:1-4)
• Judging “disputable matters” (Romans 14:1-4)
• Judging the service of a fellow believer (1 Corinthians 4:1-5)
What are examples of proper judgment?
• Judging the teaching of teachers and preachers (1 John 4:1)
• Judging those who are idle, disruptive, timid or weak (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
• Judging disputes between believers (1 Corinthians 6:1-8)
We are called to judge, but it must not be done unrighteously. Jesus knows that we all tend to see flaws in others while ignoring that same flaw, or other flaws, in ourselves. There was a reason He taught in verses 3-5 about taking the plank out of our own eye before we attempt to remove a speck from another’s. Jesus isn’t saying not to judge, He is saying that we need to take care of our own faults before we judge someone else.
He also taught in verse six that we are not to give dogs what is sacred or throw our pearls to pigs. It takes spiritual discernment to know who fits that description, and it should not be taken lightly. There is a time and place to judge, so that we are not wasting our resources on those who may be taking us away from the good works that God prepared in advance for us to do.
PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, please give me the wisdom required to judge righteously when judgment is necessary. Help me to be slow to make assumptions, but courageous in caring enough to confront in love. Amen.”
WEEK 8 - FRIDAY
Rescuing A Brother Or Sister In Christ
— CONTRIBUTED BY DARRYL ONE, ELDER —
“Rescuing” someone in Christ brings up pictures of exposing cult leaders or bad influences. However, I believe one of the biggest dangers we need to rescue one another from is compromise. Like a slow poison, it is insidious.
We are under attack in subtle ways and in danger of compromising ourselves and those around us. For example, we should be serving at our church or in ministry (Galatians 5:13), but we compromise and fail to volunteer. God tells us to “go out into the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15-16), yet how often do we let the church do that work? Are we actively overseeing our children’s education (Proverbs 22:6), or do we compromise by letting the public system teach worldly values? Finally, do we… study the Bible or social media? fellowship in small groups or binge on streaming shows? Are we slowly making compromises that change us (Romans 12:2)? We are in danger of becoming passive believers, compromising in small ways that lead to an ineffective and backslidden life.
Galatians 5:9 tells us that “a little leaven leavens the whole lump.” Compromise starts so small that we barely notice it. We are the frog in the slowly heated pot of water, unaware until it is too late.
“Search me, God, and know my heart; put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way” (Psalm 139:23-24).
PRAYER: “Dear God, show me where I have compromised and help me back to the path towards complete righteousness. Amen.”
WEEK 7: Oct 19-25
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
IceBreaker: What’s something valuable that you accidentally dropped and broke? Describe the situation.
Read Matthew 6:19-34 in more than one version.
How do we guard our hearts and minds from being ensnared with temporal and worldly pursuits?
What other passages of scripture talk about the problem of worry and anxiety? What helps you during anxious moments? What is your practice?
Why does Jesus draw a contrast between Gentiles and His Kingdom followers in regard to worldly concerns?
What is necessary to prioritize our lives in seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness?
What is your takeaway from these passages of scripture? Did any verse stir up in you a question that was not answered?
DIGGING DEEPER
Living With Heaven In Heart
— CONTRIBUTED BY MICHAEL W.J. KOPULOS / MORETOWONDER.ORG —
ANCHOR TEXT: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-20 NASB).
COMMENTARY: These verses test the limits of metaphor. The illustrative nature of the teaching makes us wonder where the metaphor ends and the reality begins with regard to treasures. Views on the nature of Heaven’s rewards vary, but most importantly, Jesus makes clear a proper attitude of the heart.
This we know for sure: Jesus teaches the precedence of kingdom thinking. In consideration of the Model Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), we pray to affect God’s will “on earth as it is in Heaven” (6:10), and we prioritize activity that contributes to God’s purposes. Further, we do so with all our devotion: “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5).
Moreover, the most satisfying service grows out of thanksgiving for all that He has done for our benefit. When we give out of the overflow of God’s blessing, we give no attention to what God gives beyond His pleasure. Anxious thoughts otherwise weaken our attention to activity that glorifies Him.
Therefore, we do not serve with a thought of reward, earthly or otherwise. Rather, we serve from a pure heart for that which Christ cares most. Let us serve gladly and selflessly, knowing that God blesses a pure heart immeasurably more than we can imagine.
APPLICATION: Just as we cannot weigh our works on the scales of justice, we cannot weigh our service on a scale of reward. Let us trust in God’s gracious love and provision for all we need and everything that will increase our joy in Him.
PRAYER: “Lord, give us hearts to operate with Heaven in heart. We commit ourselves to building Your kingdom through good works for which we take no credit, as You make all things possible. Amen.”
WEEK 7 - MONDAY
Worry And Anxiety
— CONTRIBUTED BY PASTOR GORDON RUMBLE, PASTOR OF CONGREGATIONAL CARE —
Fear and anxiety are real, and they affect Christians as much as anyone.
Sixty years ago, my brother handed me a large, cracked watermelon as we were unloading a truck and said, “Could you please hold this for me?” I did, and then he walked away. The watermelon got heavier, and the juice started running down my arms and legs!
Worry can be like holding a large, cracked watermelon. The longer I worry about something, the heavier my fears weigh me down, and things begin to get “messy.”
David, in the Bible, knew about fear. For years, he was hunted by King Saul and later by his own son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15).
But at the bottom of a dark cave was where David may have penned these words:
“May Your unfailing love come to me Lord, Your salvation, according to Your promise, then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in Your Word” (Psalm 119:41-42).
What are some of your biggest worries that God wants you to release to Him?
Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
We cannot flee from what we daily repeat in our minds. Make sure that your thoughts are those of trusting God and His faithfulness and not thoughts about your worries and your anxieties.
PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, I’m grateful I can come to You about anything. You invite me to cast all my cares upon You, and I do that today. Help me to hold fast and stand firm in You, no matter the storm. Amen.”
WEEK 7 - TUESDAY
You Can’t Go Two Directions At Once
— CONTRIBUTED BY KEN SYLVIA, YOUTH FOR CHRIST —
Raise your hand if you’ve struggled falling asleep because you were dwelling on every ridiculous thing you’ve ever done! Why is it so easy to dwell on the past? The apostle Paul speaks of his past as he describes standing by while Christians were murdered (Acts 22:20) and considers himself the “worst” of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). Yet, he declares in Philippians 3:13 that he is “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” Paul understands that an object can’t go in opposite directions at the same time.
In His sermon on the mount (Matthew 6:19-34), Jesus addresses people’s needs, desires, and ambitions. He acknowledges that all these things can create anxiety, jealousy, fear, and worry. However, He concludes in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
We can only attain God’s Kingdom and righteousness by focusing on Him and His “perfect will” (Romans 12:2). We can’t get there by focusing on the past or the temporary things of this world. But as Jesus instructs in Matthew 6, focusing first on Him allows Him to provide for the things we need and care about. This discipline of seeking Him reorients our hearts, minds, and souls. Maybe instead of obsessing over that car you’ve wanted, you’ll give more generously. Rather than attempting to control your loved ones, you’ll find yourself gently serving them. Or maybe you’ll forgive yourself for your past.
PRAYER: “Dear God, may my heart, mind and soul be focused on You alone today. I repent of my consumerism, lack of trust, and even idolatry. May Your Kingdom and righteousness become all that I seek. Amen.”
WEEK 7 - WEDNESDAY
Where Is Your Focus?
— CONTRIBUTED BY LISA DE MONT, DIRECTOR OF CONNECT —
I memorized Matthew 6:33 as a child in Sunday school, and as a kid, it made sense…we need to put God first. As I became older, my eyes and heart continued to shift to what the world and other influences told me that I should be seeking to achieve success. But when we focus on God’s Word, we see that our goals and dreams must be centered around His will for our lives. We need to let go of anything that is not adding to our spiritual growth but hindering our relationship with God and His purpose for our lives.
The word “seek” means “to actively pursue” or “to go after.” It is a continuous process. When we seek the kingdom, we must first seek the King of the kingdom! We must do this daily, if not hourly, by prioritizing time in the Word in our lives. In Jeremiah 29:13, God says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” It takes our entire heart to seek and find the Lord.
The Lord says that if we seek His kingdom and righteousness, “all these things shall be added unto you.” What “things” was the Lord referring to? The things we need daily—food, clothing, etc. When we seek Him first, He will provide the “things” we need. So, we must remember and encourage one another to pursue Him.
PRAYER: “Lord, please help us seek You and Your kingdom daily above all else. Let us not get distracted or look to the world to decide our priorities. Amen.”
WEEK 7 - THURSDAY
Trusting The Lord
— CONTRIBUTED BY CHRIS PAGE, AGAPE CHILDREN’S MINISTRY —
In 2010, when we first started raising support as a missionary family. I really needed to hear Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:31, “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’” I understood so little of God’s care for me throughout my entire life. Until 2010, I had relied on my employer for a steady paycheck. I had learned to lean upon my own understanding. Even worse, I had trained myself not to trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5).
After living in Kenya for six months, I was shocked when I received a report that our monthly giving was below our monthly budget. I remember panicking, “Our friends and family have forgotten us!” I quickly penned my next monthly newsletter to supporters, gently sharing about this shortfall. Prior to the publication of this newsletter, though, I received our following month’s giving statement; we had received funds that far exceeded the previous month’s shortfall! I hadn’t considered Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:32, “For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them all.” God was teaching me that He knows my family’s needs and that I can trust in Him.
Over the past 13 years serving in Kenya, our family’s testimony is that God is faithful! Not only has He sustained us materially to serve overseas, but He has also faithfully provided us with the peace, contentment, unity, and joy as a family to continue in His work. And He continues to teach me to rely upon Him every day.
PRAYER: “Father, help me in my fear and worries, and teach me to trust in You. Amen.”
WEEK 7 - FRIDAY
Treasure In Heaven
— CONTRIBUTED BY RICK ELLIOTT —
To obtain the treasures in Heaven, Matthew 6:33 tells us to “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” This is both a command and a priority. God wants the best for us. He offers a treasure which is like that of a good name and is more precious than silver or gold (Proverbs 22:1 NKJV). You can only find this treasure by believing in Jesus, who is the Son of God, while you are standing in the light of His throne, being filled with His peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
The second thing we must do, as told to us by Jesus in Matthew 7:7 and Luke 11:19, is “Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” While that sounds easy, it is one of the most difficult things a person will ever do. We must give up control of our own lives and put our trust in Jesus.
Have you personally invited God into your life and received His forgiveness and blessings? If not, now is a good time. God is always waiting to hear from you. Don’t miss out.
PRAYER: “Father in Heaven, thank you for Your compassionate and merciful love for me. Thank you that You are ever present and that You are the Shepherd of my life. Thank You that it is by Your grace that I am saved and not by any good work that I have done. Thank You for coming into my life and declaring me to be one of Your loved children. Father help me to grow in my love for you and to fulfill Your kingdom purposes in my life. Amen.”
WEEK 6: Oct 12-18
LET’S NOT LIVE LIKE HYPOCRITES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
IceBreaker: Who’s the most famous person you have ever met? What famous person would you most like to meet?
Read Matthew 6:1-18 in more than one version.
What should motivate our behavior as Christ followers?
What does it mean to be a hypocrite?
How did Jesus teach His disciples how to pray? What is the pattern we are encouraged to follow?
What is fasting and when, if ever, should we fast and why?
What is your takeaway from these passages of scripture? Did any verse stir up in you a question that was not answered?
DIGGING DEEPER
A Community Prayer
— CONTRIBUTED BY MICHAEL W.J. KOPULOS / MORETOWONDER.ORG —
ANCHOR TEXT: “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father, who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in Heaven’” (Matthew 6:9-10 NASB).
COMMENTARY: The first-person plural pronoun, our, stands out as a feature of the Model Prayer. It first serves to highlight a corporate identity; it does not feature individualism. The later aspect of prayer to forward God’s forgiveness also supports a notion of harmony and unity together in accomplishing the will of the Father. Together, this teaching on prayer highlights the importance of harmonious hearts that unify to honor God in missional character, that which defines it.
Another fundamental arises from this pronoun. It indicates possession. But, in consideration of this, we need to rightly focus on the Father rather than on us. We belong to the Father as His possession; we do not own Him. In effect, we offer nothing to God except our service, yet He offers us privilege, power, and purpose.
In asking for His kingdom to come, we live under the warrant of His purposes—to seek and save the lost. Ours is a redemptive mission, consistent with God’s. Further, we hold in privilege His authority as we bear out His character. Finally, He provides the power by His Holy Spirit to accomplish His will.
This prayer of invitation unleashes the authority and power to accomplish His will. The Father’s will in Heaven stands as a foregone fact. Jesus compares that which precedes us with that which should follow.
APPLICATION: We often find this prayer in various liturgies and make it a feature of our corporate worship. Its familiarity should not numb us to its import in a life of faith. A reverence for God and a zeal for glorifying God the Father should consume us.
PRAYER: “Lord, unite us with like-minded believers around the center of Your will. May we more instantaneously act upon Your Word with joy born out of Your love. Amen.”
WEEK 6 - MONDAY
Who Do You Serve?
— CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER BLASS, DIRECTOR OF WOMEN’S MINISTRIES —
Who do we serve, men or God? If we really look deep into our motives, are they always pure? We are reminded in Scripture to be careful of how we serve…we are reminded, because we need reminding.
“Be careful…” It takes care and intentionality, even to do the things we WANT to do. We want to honor God. But, so often, our humanity wins, and we desire applause and approval from other people more than the reward from our Heavenly Father. In Matthew 6, Jesus mentions three ways that we may seek approval from others: being applauded by people, being seen by people, and having our actions be obvious to people.
Appreciating encouragement from others is not inherently wrong. In fact, we are supposed to encourage one another! But if we serve and sacrifice so that we are seen by others, that is reflective of our hearts. Will we serve and sacrifice for Jesus in the same way if absolutely no one sees? Is knowing that God sees our work, our holy sacrifice, truly enough? We are called to something greater. Even if no one knows our righteousness, God knows, and that should be enough.
PRAYER: “Lord, help me today to find full satisfaction in You, and help me in my weakness to serve You without desire for applause from people. Let the hope of Your words ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ be sufficient. Amen.”
WEEK 6 - TUESDAY
The Secret Place Of Prayer
— CONTRIBUTED BY JAMES FEWELL, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF WORSHIP —
Pastors, spiritual directors, and theologians have tried to answer this question, “What is the greatest hindrance to life with God?” Some have answered with emphasis on hurry, stress, and the burdens that come with the fast-paced modern life. But when I read the Sermon on the Mount, I see that hurry and stress, even self-preservation and selfishness, are all parts of something much worse—the hypocrisy of performance.
The importance of prayer within the Christian life cannot be understated. Prayer is the middle ground between Heaven and Earth. I’m astounded that the God of the universe would be so gracious and kind as to spend time with us, anytime we seek Him. If anything would destroy our prayer life, it is that which changes the primary focus from Him to us. Enter the Pharisees. The esteemed, the decorated, the great teachers of the Law seemed to love to pray long prayers in front of others, “but Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16 NIV).
If prayer is the act of reaching out to God, in need of help and a change from the sinful state we live in, then looking to our own performance of prayer truly won’t get us anywhere. What would happen to the things we pray for if we stopped focusing on praying better prayers and started finding times to withdraw to lonely places and seeking God’s perspective. I wonder if our primary need is for a change in our hearts before a change in our surroundings.
PRAYER: “Father in Heaven, thank You that Your ear is always attentive to my prayers, confession, and adoration of You. Thank You for meeting with me in my secret place! Amen.”
WEEK 6 - WEDNESDAY
The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting
— CONTRIBUTED BY WILSON KOPPULA, INDIA COMMUNITY MINISTRY —
Dr. Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, made an unusual announcement in the spring of 1995. “God has impressed me to begin a 40-day fast,” he told his staff. He had received inspiration from The Arena of Prayer, a book by Ben Jennings. Ben wrote, “As I fasted, I found that I was more responsive to the Spirit’s prompting and guidance. Fasting also strengthened my awareness of God’s presence and my longing for the fulfillment of Christ’s Great Commission. My fast carried a small amount of discomfort, but it was not very difficult. Even the discomforts reminded me to pray.”
During the fast, the Lord became exceedingly real. Heavenly riches were a worthy exchange for short-term sacrifices. In Matthew 6:16-17, we find Jesus’ instructions on how to fast. He warns us not to fast like hypocrites. He is clear that if our fasting is for the approval and praise of others, it will be fruitless. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us similar instructions, telling us not to pray like hypocrites and providing us with guidance, which is the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus instructs us to fast and pray in a way that is obvious only to our Heavenly Father.
So, what is the purpose of fasting? It is the biblical way to intensify our communication with God. Fasting helps to clear the mind and body, making us more receptive to God’s guidance and use.
PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, teach me to pray as You would have me to pray. Give me an increased sensitivity to the leading of Your Holy Spirit, and bring me to the place whereby my greatest hunger is to know You. Amen.”
WEEK 6 - THURSDAY
Cheerful Giving
— CONTRIBUTED BY DR. JIM HUCKABA —
Matthew 6:1-4, 19-24, II Corinthians 9:6-7, Proverbs 11:24-25
The Bible is very clear about two things God loves. First, God loves the world. He loves it so much He sent His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
Second, the Bible tells us God loves cheerful givers! It is unfortunate that some use this principle to unfairly manipulate money from people, but that does not take away from its truth.
God loves cheerful givers of treasure. There are both promises and kudos in Scripture given to cheerful givers (Proverbs 11:24-25, Malachi 3:10, Mark 12:41-44). Cheerful giving not only allows us to acknowledge and glorify God’s sovereignty but gives us the joy of participating in the blessing of others.
God loves cheerful givers of time. Some gifts are people taking time to help others learn, finish tasks, bear sorrow or meet a need (Galatians 6:2).
God loves cheerful givers of talents and gifts. The Bible tells us that every believer has at least one spiritual gift (I Peter 4:10-11), but it takes a whole “church-load” of gifts to complete the church’s service of evangelism, discipleship and caring. Even plain gifts enhance and complete a church’s ministry.
God loves cheerful handlers of truth. Living, sharing and teaching truth strengthens individuals, families, churches and cultures. Blessed is the culture saturated with biblical truth.
So be a cheerful, generous and modest giver.
PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, all that I have comes from You. You bless me not only so that my family is blessed, but also to be a blessing to others. Help me not to love the world or the things that are in the world. May my generosity be a testimony of my confidence and trust in You. Amen.”
WEEK 6 - FRIDAY
Thy Kingdom Come
— CONTRIBUTED BY MICHAEL COATS, ELDER —
The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to pray for the Kingdom of God to come and that God’s will be fulfilled on Earth as it will be completed in Heaven. The Kingdom of God is here now and will be fully complete in Heaven.
Jesus was asked by the Pharisees about the coming of the Kingdom in Luke 17:22, and He told them, “God’s kingdom is already among you.” “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand,” is a phrase from the Bible that appears in Matthew 3:2, Matthew 4:17, and Mark 1:15.
Jesus brought the Kingdom of God into the present. The Kingdom is within Christians, and we are to pray for God’s will to be done now, in this present Kingdom, as well as to be completed fully in the eternal kingdom. God’s will is that we be free from the penalty of sin (Romans 6:23). It is also God’s will that we are free from the authorities and powers of the world (Colossians 2:14-15,
1 Corinthians 15:20-27).
Jesus sent out the twelve and commanded them, “to make this announcement: ‘The Kingdom of Heaven has come near’” (Matthew 10:7 CEB). Our prayers are that God’s will be done now in the Kingdom of God that is near, and that His will be fulfilled in Heaven, the eternal kingdom. Christians have a hope for the future, but also hope that comes from the future.
PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, I pray for Your Kingdom to come and that Your will be fulfilled on Earth and in my life, and my family’s life as it is completed in Heaven. Amen.”
WEEK 5: Oct 5-11
A HEART FOR RIGHTEOUS LIVING PT. 2
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
IceBreaker: What do you do if you can’t sleep at night? Do you count sheep, toss and turn, or get up and try to do something productive?
Read Matthew 5:33-48 in more than one version.
How should we pray for our enemies and those who persecute/ torment us?
Why should we be proactive in our kindness toward our enemies rather than ignore them or respond in kind?
When was the last time that you had someone over to dinner who was not a close friend or family member? Why does that matter to Jesus?
How ought we to be more like our Heavenly Father and why is that important?
What is your takeaway from these passages of scripture? Did any verse stir up in you a question that was not answered?
DIGGING DEEPER
Unconditional Kindness
— CONTRIBUTED BY MICHAEL W.J. KOPULOS / MORETOWONDER.ORG —
ANCHOR TEXT: “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may prove yourselves to be sons of your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45 NASB).
COMMENTARY: In life, we find it difficult to treat well those who do not reciprocate. But treating others in a spirit of good will and grace must stand as the marker of Christian character. Whether we apply this principle to those with whom we most closely relate or to those whom we know from a distance, the character standard remains the same—love as God loves.
The ability to love selflessly derives from the knowledge of our own sin and the grace which God applies to us in Christ. Therefore, the more we gain an understanding of sin by studying God’s Word and listening to the Holy Spirit of God within us, the more we appreciate God’s undeserved love.
With an increasing knowledge of God’s grace, we more readily apply it to those who wrong us. Applied grace toward our offenders may also attract them to the good news of Jesus Christ. It confounds them in the same way that God’s love for us exceeds our understanding—glorious, beautiful, wondrous.
If we think the earlier teaching proves hard to live out, Jesus raises the stakes with this command, and this command does not stand alone either. It fits within a theology of grace which we can apply back to God’s standards for the marital commitment, as marital relationships serve as a crucible for character.
APPLICATION: When we face strife, we quickly realize how the conflict illumines our own character flaws. Likely, God allows for the trouble to purge our hearts of fault and shape us in the likeness of Christ.
PRAYER: “Lord, make us ambassadors of Your mercy and grace, peacemakers in a world filled with contentious people. May we live a life marked by kindness and good, in accordance with Your character and redemptive purposes. Amen.”
WEEK 5 - MONDAY
I Want Justice!
— CONTRIBUTED BY STEVE CARTER —
Every time we are wronged, our most natural reaction is to cry for justice. But is that what we really wan? Or do we want revenge or squaring the score? The Bible speaks about justice 129 times in the Old Testament and only 9 times in the New Testament. So, what is true “justice” for each of us? We hear people calling for justice when there are heinous crimes committed against the innocent or helpless, but is justice or revenge being sought?
It is instructive that the word “mercy” is used 40 times in the Old Testament and 40 times in the New Testament. Jesus taught us to love our neighbors and pray for our enemies, to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile, all revolutionary thought then and now. The next time you are wronged, consider your response. Will It be “justice” or “mercy?” Allow the Holy Spirit to use you to show mercy and grace today.
PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, my hope and trust is in You. You see everything and know everything. You tell me to trust in You when
I (we) have been wronged and that You will make everything right. Heavenly Father, have mercy on those who have wronged me and help me to love my enemies and do good to those who have hurt me. Amen.”
WEEK 5 - TUESDAY
Loving Outside Our Comfort Zone
— CONTRIBUTED BY MARK BURNS —
The Church body today desires worship to be comfortable. We have become content with sitting in the same seat every week with our circle of friends. I know this because I’ve been that person.
It took my wife, who had been serving in the BVG Mustard Seeds Ministry, to drag me in with her one Sunday. I was directed to sit with a young boy named Jacob. He had the most severe disability in the class. I would have to hold him still, feed him, and clean him up—and myself. This was the most uncomfortable hour I can remember. But when class was over, I got up, and so did Jacob. He followed me around the room holding my hand and would not let me go. Jacob ultimately changed my heart that day. God was using him to be a blessing to me.
God uses these moments to conform us to the likeness of his Son, whom He also sent to be uncomfortable. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes clear His intent for our lives, “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? …But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” If being uncomfortable honors the Father, blessings will surely follow.
PRAYER: “Father in Heaven, I want to be ‘uncomfortable’ for You. Whatever You ask of me or wherever You lead me, I want my
life to be a fragrant offering to You. Lead me today to fulfill Your purposes in and through me. Amen.”
WEEK 5 - WEDNESDAY
Loving The Unlovable
— CONTRIBUTED BY SYLVIA YAMAMOTO —
These days God’s love has been reduced to self-love. The love for oneself does not settle for less, and the will for righteous living revolves around one’s well-being. Could this be true inside the church? Could this be true of me?
I am not exempted from my own self-righteousness. I prayed and asked God to reveal my buried sin. My ex-husband came to mind. So, I called him and decided to meet.
He pointed out many faults, and by God’s grace, my heart was quiet to listen in humility. I asked again for his forgiveness and apologized for my part of our divorce, even though my sins have been forgiven. A righteous life starts and ends at the cross. It’s a daily dependence on our Lord Jesus in HIS word, and daily practice to love and forgive each other, beginning with me.
Yes, I was once an unlovely enemy of God. It is not because the 10 Commandments are impossible to follow, but because I had a dead spirit that could not hear, much less obey. How can the dead hear God’s good news? How can the dead receive a new heart? How can the dead know to love the unlovely? Only by God’s grace that we are saved through faith, and it has nothing to do with ourselves. It is the gift of God. It’s not by works so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).
PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, help me to be a person that sees people as You see them. Help me to show Your lovingkindness and mercy to those outside my comfort zone whom You bring across my path today. Amen.”
WEEK 5 - THURSDAY
Loving Our Enemies
— CONTRIBUTED BY MARVIN JACOBO, CITY MINISTRY NETWORK —
Loving your enemies (those who oppose you) is a challenging, but transformative, practice that involves a day-to-day effort to cultivate empathy, compassion, love and understanding towards those who hurt you.
So, how do we accomplish it? Here are some suggestions:
Take “your enemy” to the throne of God in prayer, sending genuine prayers of thanksgiving to the Lord for their betterment.
Keep forgiving: Whenever their name comes to mind, take them and your hurt to the Lord to forgive them for any wrongs they’ve done to you. Give the Lord your hurt and anger, asking for the power to hold no grudges.
Kindness: Do not shy away from opportunities to show kindness towards them, no matter their response.
Seeking reconciliation: Are you open to reconciliation and peace-building efforts? Are you open to recruiting a mediator for this peace-building work? This is a tender subject so lean on trusted advisors to plan your steps forward before you attempt reconciliation.
Self-reflection and growth: Are you using interactions with your enemies as opportunities to become more like Jesus? Don’t let a root of bitterness spring up in you. Use 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 and Galatians 5:22-26 to reflect on the condition of your heart.
Loving your enemies is challenging. Keep bringing your situation to the Lord and take it to some trusted godly friends who can journey with you.
PRAYER: “Father in Heaven, even in the midst of difficult circumstances You still are Lord and what the enemy intends for evil, You intend for good. Use these challenges to help me to
become more like You. Amen.”
WEEK 5 - FRIDAY
Waiting On The Lord
— CONTRIBUTED BY ROY DOOLEY —
The longer we live on this earth, the more opportunities there are for people to offend us or cause us hurt. We cry out to God to make it right, restore what was taken, repair what is damaged, reveal the truth, and show the world we did nothing wrong. But sometimes that is not what God wants to do.
We all want the supernatural prison-break that Peter gets in Acts 12, but what about when he wasn’t released and lost his life in Rome (2 Peter 1)? What about Paul’s many stonings, beatings, imprisonments, and other sufferings? Every Apostle suffered persecution, false accusations, and eventually death, for the sake of the gospel. Why do we ask for an easier path? If we are the Lord’s, we will be hated as our Lord was (John 15:18-25), and we will suffer as our Lord and His disciples suffered. It is human to want it all to be “made right,” but we are more than human; we are Christian, and we are to be different.
1 Peter 4:12-19 tells us to rejoice when we suffer for Christ. But you might not feel like rejoicing. You might want to call down fire from heaven like the Sons of Thunder (Luke 9:54). But just as Jesus calmed His disciples and showed them a different way, He shows us a different way to live through our challenges—a way that is honoring to the name of our Lord.
PRAYER: “Father in Heaven, thank You that You hold all things in Your hands and that You are sovereign over every circumstance of my life, using those circumstances to not only make me more like You, but also to be a witness to others! Amen.”
WEEK 4: Sept 28-Oct 4
A HEART FOR RIGHTEOUS LIVING PT. 1
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
IceBreaker: Do you save old greeting cards and letters, or throw them all away? Why?
Read Matthew 5:21-32 in more than one version.
As you read Jesus’ statements, “You have heard it said…”, what challenges you?
Why did Jesus make it a point to give greater definition to the Law?
Are these statements applicable to us today? If so, how should we be addressing these things in our life?
Why does our Heavenly Father care so much about our earthly relationships and keeping short accounts?
What is your takeaway from these passages of scripture? Did any verse stir up in you a question that was not answered?
DIGGING DEEPER
Surpassing The Law
— CONTRIBUTED BY MICHAEL W.J. KOPULOS / MORETOWONDER.ORG —
ANCHOR TEXT: “I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” (Matthew 5:31-32 NASB)
COMMENTARY: God holds the marital vow in the highest regard, because of everything in our earthly experience it pictures the clearest image of a relationship with God in Christ. Thus, marriage is not so much a matter of legal contract as it is of spiritual obligation. When we look at the marital commitment through the lens of legalism, we miss the heart of the matter and all that God intends for marriage.
The complexity in maintaining a life-long marital commitment sometimes brings the worst out in us, and we want to give up or find a way out. We might even look for ways to dissolve our marriage by some legal loophole. But God does not view marriage as ideally dissoluble. According to Jesus, God only allowed it at the time of Moses because of the “hardness of [their] hearts” (Matthew 19:8); God wants tender hearts.
Given the tone of everything else in the Sermon, an absolute commitment stands as the ideal; anything less proves a moral failure. If we must surpass the righteous of the scribes and Pharisees, a divorce inexcusably breaks a holy covenant. However, this does not mean that we must live under a cloud of guilt and shame.
APPLICATION: In matters of marital trouble of any sort, the only real solution falls to God’s grace, and God’s grace is sufficient for every contingency. So, rather than defend or excuse a divorce, we best confess our failure, ask for God’s forgiveness, and seek restoration in Christ.
PRAYER: “Lord, strengthen us in caring well for our spouses so we may never yield to adulterous temptation. In the same way, may we be emissaries of Your steadfast love to those whom we pledge our lives. Where we fall short, cover us by Your grace and give us the strength to live out and fulfill our commitments and vows. Amen.”
WEEK 4 - MONDAY
The Deity Of Jesus
— CONTRIBUTED BY PASTOR JEFF THOMPSON, BVCS CAMPUS PASTOR —
Jesus is teaching a passage referred to as the Sermon on the Mount, and He begins addressing the Ten Commandments. In the Jewish mind the Ten Commandments were the focal point of the Law of Moses. They were the foundation upon which the entire Law was built. The understanding would have been, since God gave them to Moses, only God could change them. Jesus altered the Ten Commandments with the following sentence structure: “You have heard it said…but I tell you….” Jesus is claiming that He is God, because He has authority to alter the Ten Commandments.
In Luke 5:17-26, the paralytic man is brought before Jesus by his friends. Jesus tells the man his sins are forgiven. The Pharisees and the teachers of the Law believe Jesus to be a blasphemer and begin questioning Him. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, asks them, “Which is easier, to forgive someone’s sin or to tell someone to get up and walk?” He then tells the man to get up and walk. When Jesus declares His deity as God, it is not in the way we think it should be done (e.g., “I am God.”). Instead, Jesus declares His deity in authoritative ways that everyone is capable of understanding.
Jesus is God the Son. We are not righteous, but Jesus is. For us to live righteously, we must submit ourselves to Jesus. Once we do this, God the Father sees us through the righteousness
of Jesus. We begin living righteously through consistent, daily reading of the Bible and prayer.
PRAYER: “Father in Heaven, You are eternal, holy and sovereign. Today and each day, give me the desire to read your Word and live it out such that others see You in me. Amen.”
WEEK 4 - TUESDAY
The Seriousness Of Sin
— CONTRIBUTED BY PASTOR RICK COUNTRYMAN, PASTOR OF YOUNG ADULTS & REACH —
If you want to know how serious sin is, you need not look any farther than the cross! The reason the Son of God, the second person of the Holy Trinity, was hanging on the cross was because of sin! When Adam disobeyed and rebelled against God in the Garden of Eden, it was by far the most serious thing that ever happened in history. That one act of disobedience and rebellion had a cataclysmic impact on everyone, including each of us (Romans 5:12-21), and the only way sin (our sin) could be forgiven was for God to send His one and only Son to die a horrific death on a cross to forgive us of our sin.
There is no doubt that our sin is serious, but there is also no doubt that the blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross was enough to cleanse us of our sin (1 John 1:9).
Q: Knowing what it took to forgive our sin, how should we then live as a follower of Jesus?
A: We should live our lives…
• to Jesus’ glory!
• in such a way that the people we encounter see our good works and give glory to our Father (Matthew 5:14-16)!
• in a manner worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1)!
• as an example for the lost world (1 Timothy 4:12)!
Since Jesus died to cleanse us of our sin and make us right before the Father, our only response has to be to live a holy and righteous life, while we await our great hope–the soon coming return of Jesus!
PRAYER: “Father in Heaven, help me to live my life today in a manner worthy of Your calling in my life! Amen.”
WEEK 4 - WEDNESDAY
The Importance Of A Clear Conscience
— CONTRIBUTED BY NANCY SKILES —
In the classic book, Heidi, Peter, becomes jealous of Heidi’s friend, Clara, and destroys her wheelchair, hoping that she’ll have to leave. Initially, he thinks this was a great idea, but as time goes on, he becomes fearful of being arrested and imprisoned for destruction of property. He becomes increasingly miserable, until the truth comes out, and he finds forgiveness for his transgression. Clara’s grandmama tells Peter, “Those who do wrong make a mistake when they think no one knows anything about it. For God sees and hears everything, and when…God wakes up a little watchman that He [has placed] inside us…the little watchman has a small goad…and…he keeps on pricking us with it, so that we have not a moment’s peace. And the watchman torments us still further, for he keeps on calling out, ‘Now you will be found out! Now they will drag you off to punishment!’ And so, we pass our life in fear and trouble, and never know a moment’s happiness or peace.”
Maybe you can relate to Peter and have been miserable because of some indiscretion or ‘hidden’ sin. I John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The Lord wants to have unbroken fellowship with us, and when we sin, there is a wall of separation between us.
PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me Your Holy Spirit that convicts me of sin and gives me the courage to do what is right. Lord, as much as it is possible, help me to walk with a clear conscience, and to remove any walls of offense I may have with others. Amen.”
WEEK 4 - THURSDAY
Forgiveness
— CONTRIBUTED BY CARYN LUCAS —
Growing up, I had the privilege of a family that practiced the importance of good communication, especially in the area of repentance and forgiveness. As I grew, went off to college and got married, I felt I understood the concept of forgiveness. However, there is nothing quite like raising children to test your ideas on a matter.
Recently my husband and I attended a parenting class, and their explanation of why it is so important to not only repent but also ask for forgiveness has helped me to think about it in a whole new light. Understanding repentance is best done in the context of relationship.
I am in relationship with my children, and I love them deeply. When I or they choose to sin, it does not alter that love. However, what it does is break the fellowship of the relationship. The key to restoring fellowship is the process of repenting and asking for forgiveness. The idea of broken fellowship is what really spoke to me because it helped me see my relationship with Christ in a new way. When I sin, it does not alter the Lord’s love for me, but it hurts my fellowship with my Heavenly Father. In order to restore fellowship, I need to acknowledge my sin and ask for forgiveness.
It is important to note that regret is not the same as repentance, and “I’m sorry” is not the same as “Will you forgive me?” Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo, authors of Growing Kids God’s Way, say it best, “To say, ‘I’m sorry,’ is to acknowledge a mistake; to ask for forgiveness is to acknowledge motives of the heart.” Be encouraged today to know when you sin nothing can separate you from the amazing, merciful, grace-filled love of God. He has already provided the key needed to restore your fellowship with Him. You only need to ask.
PRAYER: “Father in Heaven, thank you that nothing can separate me from Your love. Help me to walk humbly before You today. Amen.”
WEEK 4 - FRIDAY
Purity In Our Relationships
— CONTRIBUTED BY THERESA O’LEARY —
My workplace can be toxic; gossip is prevalent, profanity the norm. Occasionally, someone shares something they think is humorous, and I end up wanting an image erased from my mind. Working among the lost creates tension, as I attempt to be a light in the darkness and keep the darkness from infiltrating me.
Most people would think that keeping purity in relationships includes only the big things like not harming someone or committing adultery. However, in Matthew 5, Jesus shows that our thoughts are as important as our actions. Part of our battle for purity is combatting the sin around us with His word and His Spirit. He calls us to live in the world but not be of it (John 17:15-19). When we don’t talk the way the world does (Ephesians 5:4), when we don’t engage the way the world does, we shine like stars (Philippians 2:15), whether at work or at home.
Proverbs 8:6-7 reminds us, “Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right, for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.” We can check our actions and the motivations of the heart, before speaking. We need our heavenly Father to hold us close, clean us off, and set us to rights. Then, we have the ability to intercede for our lost co-workers and family members with a pure heart.
Are you taking an honest account of your interactions with others and bringing them before the Lord? Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you into purity in all areas of your relationships?
PRAYER: “Father, help me be pure in all aspects of my relationships, including my thoughts that are known only to You. Amen.”
WEEK 3: Sept 21-27
THE LAW & KINGDOM LIVING
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
IceBreaker: What’s something that people do in traffic that really bothers you?
Read Matthew 5:17-20 in more than one version.
Give some examples of how Jesus fulfilled the Law and what the Prophets taught.
Reflect on the permeance of God’s Word. How does that comfort and encourage you?
What ought to be the role of Scripture in our lives? How do you handle the tension between what God’s Word says and your personal inclination, desires, or popular pressure/opinon?
Why must our righteousness surpass that of the Pharisees if we have any hope of heaven? What is our hope and solution?
What is your takeaway from these passages of scripture? Did any verse stir up in you a question that was not answered?
DIGGING DEEPER
The Impossible Standard
— CONTRIBUTED BY MICHAEL W.J. KOPULOS / MORETOWONDER.ORG —
ANCHOR TEXT: “Do not presume that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill…For I say to you that unless your righteousness far surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:17, 20 NASB).
COMMENTARY: The prophet writes, “The word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8, NASB). None of His words return void (Isaiah 55:11). Jesus lives to prove this out; His coming answers the prophecies of old—He fulfills them. On the one hand, this builds credibility with those so steeped in the Law of Moses.
But, as the Law and the Prophets stand intact, it does not bode well for those about to hear a new take on God’s holy standards. If God requires a surpassing righteousness to that of the scribes and Pharisees, then no one can meet the Law’s requirements. This proves exceedingly hopeless since the Pharisees held such a high standard according to the Mishnah (their instructive guide for righteous living) in which they multiplied a legalism beyond what Moses directly specified. As a result, people lived in bondage and fear of the Law. They needed a Deliverer.
Though righteous living does hold a great importance to God, Jesus came to set the captives free. Therefore, when we read a text such as Verse 20, we must understand it within the frame of God’s redemptive plan, His mercy, and His grace.
APPLICATION: In apocalyptic Bible literature, without exception, wherever we read of God’s judgment, the prophet also shares a message of redemption and hope. We strive for the high standard of holiness, but Christ’s blood covers our shortcoming so that His righteousness applies to us. Only in Christ, we exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees.
PRAYER: “Lord, I thank you that You have provided for me a righteousness that exceeds the scribes and the Pharisees by Your grace gift in Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.”
WEEK 3 - MONDAY
Jesus, The Fulfillment Of The Law
— CONTRIBUTED BY MARK BURNS —
Matthew 5:17-20
The Law was given to the nation of Israel to reveal the holy character of an eternal God, to set them apart from other nations, to reveal their sin, and to provide forgiveness through sacrifice and offerings. The Law established a footprint for Israel to follow through annual feasts and gatherings, teaching specific ways God desired to be worshiped. Over the years the law was interpreted and passed down in the form of tradition, this is where people seeking the One True God have gotten off course. Many religions today have allowed the sacrifice of Christ to take a back seat to their handed-down traditions. They are taught they must worship a certain way, dress a certain way, and even eat certain foods, to achieve and maintain salvation.
If believers would focus on grace, we would better understand the Father. In His grace, He sent His Son to fulfill the Law and eliminate the traditions of men. Grace is God’s favor for the undeserving. Paul says in Romans 3:12, “No one does good, not even one.” But Jesus fulfilled all the laws required by the Father, making Him worthy for the unworthy. Scripture says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory [grace] of God” (Romans 3:20). The works of His Son elevate believers to the Father. This is why Paul makes one of the boldest statements in scripture, addressing not only the Jews of his time but all believers when he says, “For by Grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).
PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, thank you for Your lovingkindness and grace in bringing me into Your presence through Your Son. Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice which makes forgiveness possible and cleansing me from all of my sin. Holy Spirit, thank You for opening my eyes and my heart to the gospel and creating in me a new life in Christ. Amen.”
WEEK 3 - TUESDAY
The Power Of God's Word
— CONTRIBUTED BY CATHY TRIPP —
Matthew 5:17, Hebrews 4:12
I was raised Catholic. We went to mass every Sunday. I believed in God, but I didn’t know Jesus. Eventually, I stopped going to church. I observed so much evil in the world that I thought, I’m not that bad; I must be going to heaven. I thought my deeds would save me.
In 2016, I was commuting over 30 minutes to work and began listening to a preacher. By hearing the words of God, God began to call me to Himself.
Hebrews 4:12—“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Before surrendering my life to Christ, the Bible was confusing and boring to me. But the words of God saved me. I now know and seek after Jesus!
Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Jesus said, “Blessed are all who hear the Word of God and put it into practice” (Luke 11:28).
“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
“So, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
PRAYER: “Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the power and the promises within Your Word. Thank you for opening my eyes to the truth of Your Word. Help me, Holy Spirit, to put Your Word into practice today. Amen.”
WEEK 3 - WEDNESDAY
Perfect And Sure
— CONTRIBUTED BY PASTOR LONNIE SKILES, PASTOR EMERITUS —
The very nature and character of God is that He is unchanging (Hebrews 1:12)! As He has been, so is He today and will be tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8)! What He promises, He will do (Isaiah 46:10). Doors that He shuts cannot be opened, and doors that
He opens cannot be shut by the will of man (Revelation 3:7). As God is, so is His Word. While heaven and earth will someday pass away, His Word will stand forever and remain unchanged (Matthew 5:18).
It is necessary when farming to handle potent chemicals to kill weeds and/or pests. The manufacturers go to great lengths to include instructions on how to handle these chemicals safely and effectively. The instructions are for our benefit and are not “suggestions.” The consequences of ignoring the instructions could be horrific!
Our Creator, the maker of the Heavens and the Earth is concerned for the condition of our hearts and our souls. He knows what we need, to have joy-filled and hope-filled lives without regret. Because He loves us, He gives us His Word, which when rightly applied, refreshes and restores our hearts, gives us peace and confidence, and helps us to know what is right and good.
We also discover, as we study His Word, that in His great love for us, which is compassionate and merciful, He removes the burden of our sin and rebellion as far as the east is from the west, so that we can have confidence and peace in our relationship with Him.
PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Thank You that Your Word is perfect and true and for the refreshment it brings to my heart. Thank You that You are my Rock and Redeemer! Amen.”
WEEK 3 - THURSDAY
True Righteousness Comes From Faith
— CONTRIBUTED BY KEN SYLVIA, YOUTH FOR CHRIST —
Have you ever known someone who prided themselves on being super spiritual? Yet, you wouldn’t trust that person to watch your dog while away on vacation?
In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus declares that he came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets (verse 17), and then says in verse 20, “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” It seems these super spiritual religious people missed the point. Their self-righteousness was defined by their outward works and appearances, not by faith in the Lord.
The apostle Paul, once a popular Pharisee, instructs believers in Galatians 2:16, “…a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Christ Jesus.” And again, he says in Romans 3:22-24:
“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Maybe you haven’t missed a day of church in 25 years, fast regularly, have the world’s largest Bible and more Jesus stickers than a NASCAR racer. But where do your faith and hope come from? What—or Who—is your ultimate Source? Allow me to encourage you to remember that 100% of our outward activities and appearances must always stem from faith in Jesus Christ, our Righteousness.
PRAYER: “Dear God, thank you for making me righteous through faith in Your son Jesus. Forgive me when I define my righteousness by my works. May all I do be an overflow of my love for You. Amen.”
WEEK 3 - FRIDAY
Awesome Responsiblity
— CONTRIBUTED BY DAVID O’LEARY —
As a school principal, I occasionally filled in as a teacher. One day, in attempting to teach an extension of a previous math lesson, I discovered that the teacher had taught the students an operation incorrectly. While it was admirable that the students did what they had been taught, it made teaching more difficult. I first had to unravel the mistaken operation, then teach the correct one.
While teaching a math formula correctly will affect us academically, teaching the word of God correctly (2 Timothy 2:15) will affect us eternally. Teaching the word of God is an awesome responsibility. This is why scripture tells us that not many should become teachers because teachers will be judged with greater strictness (James 3:1).
Yet, although not everyone is called to be a teacher in the church, this does not absolve us of our responsibility to teach in some fashion, even if just with our own family. God commanded the Jews from the beginning to diligently teach their children His Word (Deuteronomy 6:17). Jesus instructed His listeners to not only follow the commands of God, but to teach others to do the same (Matthew 5:19). Thus, when Paul warns about teachers without understanding who still make confident assertions (1 Timothy 1:7), it is because they have strayed from God’s Word. And that is our other responsibility, to ensure that we listen to those who rightly handle the Word of Truth.
APPLICATION: Are you diligent in listening to those whom God has set in the church to teach His Word? Are you diligent in studying God’s Word so that you can responsibly share with others?
PRAYER: “Dear God, please fill me with a spirit of wisdom, understanding, and love for Your Word. Amen.”
WEEK 2: Sept 14-20
EXALTED ABOVE ALL
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What stood out to you as you read this weekend’s Scripture passages?
Did these verses raise any questions as you read?
Where do we see Jesus Christ in these verses?
As you read this weekend’s Scripture, ask yourself, “Are these verses…
1. teaching me something?”
2. telling me to stop doing something I am doing?”
3. correcting some wrong thinking or behavior?”
4. preparing me to live more effectively for Him?”
Write down the name of someone who might benefit from hearing what you have learned in the Bible.
Why is this passage in this particular book of the Bible? What might the Bible lose if this passage was left out? What’s the author’s main point? (Try to sum up your answer in one sentence.)
DIGGING DEEPER
A Counter-Culture Community
— CONTRIBUTED BY MICHAEL W.J. KOPULOS / MORETOWONDER.ORG —
ANCHOR TEXT: “Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NASB)
COMMENTARY: John, in his first epistle, writes of the Light: “God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). The Light stands in contrast to darkness. In the same way, Jesus calls His disciples to counter their culture. This did not refer to living differently than the Romans. Jesus sought to rectify faithful living that glorifies God in community.
Ironically, those attending the Sermon lived as a part of a religious culture. However, based on the subtext in these verses, the Lord did not take pleasure in how they lived. He did not see them as distinctly salty (v. 14) or luminescent (v. 16). Their lives did not fulfill the mission of the Abrahamic promise to live as a means of God’s blessing to every nation (Genesis 12:3).
Though not apparent in English, the light does not apply to individuals so much as it applies to community (indicated by the 2nd person plural form in the Greek ὑμῶν, your). The power of the light of God multiplies in a communal partnership that seeks to live out the will of God in such a way as to attract others. This light distinguishes itself from the darkness. It shines brightly, illuminating the character of God, bringing glory to Him—an attraction that brings others into an expansive kingdom.
APPLICATION: Kingdom people must together serve kingdom purposes. They not only bring glory to God, but they also display God’s glory in the way that they live. In speaking of signs, John, in his Gospel, notes how Jesus displayed the glory of the Father. He calls us to the same.
PRAYER: “Lord, produce such a work in me that my light shines in the darkness. As You draw me into Your blessing, may I illumine the Way, drawing others into Your blessing. Amen.”
WEEK 2 - MONDAY
It's All Worship
— CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER BLASS, DIRECTOR OF WOMEN’S MINISTRIES —
Music has been important in my life, and I feel it right into my soul. Consequently, worshipping God through music is one of my absolute favorite things. He speaks to my heart, and I feel close to Him through worship music. But if that were where my worship ended, it would be lackluster, incomplete, and I would miss the wholeness of my relationship with Him.
Our true worship is in every moment, throughout our bodies that He has granted us; it is in all parts of our lives, not just the first 20 minutes of Sunday service.
As we read Scripture, we see over and over again that Jesus brings everything back to the posture of our hearts. If I want to check my “worship status,” is my heart softened to His will? When my eyes see my life through the lens of thankfulness, I worship Him. This means seeing my circumstances not focused on what I don’t have, but with thankfulness for what I do have. And it means that everything I do can be done for His glory! (1 Corinthians 10:31) It’s in everything I do that I “present my body as a living sacrifice.” Not a sacrifice like we think of on the altar. But that I give up my earthly desires and live my life for Jesus! I worship Jesus by serving my family with a happy heart, by choosing mercy instead of rage on the road, or exercising patience with people.
PRAYER: “Lord, I want to live my whole life as an expression of worship to you! Help me to live this out and to remember Your goodness in all things. Amen.”
WEEK 2 - TUESDAY
True Worship
— CONTRIBUTED BY GARY FROMM —
John 4:24, Ephesians 5:18-19
In Genesis 1, God describes all His work as good. Reflecting on “in the beginning,” when all was good, worship can be defined as an essential duty or function of a human. Worship is a way in which we live our lives as humans made in the image of God.
This cannot be achieved without the knowledge of God and the power of the Holy Spirit living within us. God has reached out to us through His word showing how magnificent He is. David’s last words in 2 Samuel 23:2, “The word of the Lord spoke through me; His word was on my tongue.” No wonder we are instructed in the New Testament to sing and admonish one another with Psalms. Jesus spoke through David as he wrote the Psalms, “His word was on his tongue.” Imagine as you read through the Psalms that they are the words of Jesus; and He has asked us to pray and sing these Psalms back to Him (Ephesians 5:18-19).
Even those Psalms that are filled with emotion oftentimes describe our true feelings. The Psalms remind us that just as back in the day when they were written, we still live in a society that is overwhelmed with spiritual battles.
The Psalms have the power to transform us into our true humanity, to where we realize that we are living in the presence of God, taking everything into account that is seen and loved by God.
PRAYER: “Father in Heaven, let your Word live deeply in me today, such that as I go about my day today, that I might walk in Your Spirit, not in my flesh, and honor You with the work of my hands and words of encouragement. Amen.”
WEEK 2 - WEDNESDAY
Praising In The Storm
— CONTRIBUTED BY ROBIN LA FRENIERE,
AP SUPERVISOR AND HR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT —
Psalm 150, Habakkuk 3:17-19
Early in my marriage, I made a banner that said “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” I had heard Psalm 150 read out loud right before a drummer in a Christian
rock band started playing his drum solo (back in the 70s). It was so cool! I love that the Psalmist says “let everything” praise with trumpet and lute and dance and strings and loud clashing cymbals and many other things.
Praising the Lord is easy when He’s answering prayer and things are going well. But when our 20-year-old daughter was the driver in a tragic car accident, it wasn’t so easy. Driving home alone from the hospital one time, I was crying and asking the Lord what He was thinking. The radio was playing Jeremy Camp’s song “I Still Believe.” As I listened to the lyrics “even when I don’t see, I still believe,” I knew I had a choice to make. Did I still believe in His faithfulness, His truth, His holy Word? It’s not easy to sing while you’re crying, but I tried. And it helped change my focus.
I have found that when I choose to praise the Lord instead of rehashing everything that’s going wrong, my thoughts and attitudes change. When I fix my eyes on the Lord and remember what He’s done, I let go of the rest, even if it’s for a little while.
PRAYER: “Father in Heaven, how special is Your name! I am so grateful that You are faithful to all of Your promises and that You will fulfill all that You have begun in my life. Help me Lord to hold fast to You and to keep my eyes firmly fixed on You! Amen.”
WEEK 2 - THURSDAY
Savoring Scripture
— CONTRIBUTED BY CARYN LUCAS —
We live life in a fast-paced culture. Fast and easy is what everyone wants. But nothing of quality and value comes fast or easy. This is true of our time in God’s Word. If you were to describe how you spend time in the Word, is it more like fast food or a five-course meal?
As Christians, we want the five-course meal but don’t know what it looks like in daily life. I have started a practice of marinating in God’s Word. Taking time to slow down, to savor and chew on God’s Word has allowed the Lord to speak to me through Scripture in a new way.
The practice is simple: take a chapter or small selection of Scripture and stay in it for a week or two. Read the selection daily and in various versions. Each time you read, write down words that stick out to you or questions you have for the Lord, even if it’s the same thing you wrote the day before. Savor the Scripture until you feel you know what the Lord is telling you. Then write a summary or draw a picture of the Lord’s message to you so you can remember what you learned.
Next time you are in the Word, I encourage you to skip the drive thru line and settle in at the dining table of the Lord for a meal you’ll never forget.
PRAYER: “Father in Heaven, I want to find great joy and delight in Your Word. Open my eyes and my heart to the sweetness of Your Word such that I would find you the source of my strength and help in time of trouble. Amen.”
WEEK 2 - FRIDAY
How Community Worship Makes Us Stronger
— CONTRIBUTED BY LISA DE MONT, DIRECTOR OF CONNECT —
Ephesians 4:4-16, Romans 12:4-8, 1 Peter 4:10-11
In July 2011, our daughter Allyson got sick, and we were in and out of the hospital for over a month before she was diagnosed. During those first months, I found the most comfort and peace at weekend gatherings. I often would weep during worship more than sing, but being together with other believers in worship, hearing the Word taught, and having people lift us up in prayer filled my soul more than I ever knew I needed.
In those moments, I would reflect on Ephesians 4:4, which reminds us that we have one Spirit as believers. The Holy Spirit that lives inside us (God’s church) draws us together in unity and connection. God’s Spirit can’t be divided. So, we feel tension like a rubber band stretched too far when believers are separated. The Spirit yearns for us to be together like the same rubber band pulling us back in.
We also have a job to do when we gather. Every believer has spiritual gifts meant to be used, and every church body needs every body part to be active (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Peter 4:10-11). This gives each believer a purpose.
Finally, when we gather as the church, not only are we one in Spirit, but we are one body. Ephesians 4:15-16 reminds us that we are each a different part of the body. So, while each part does its special work, it helps the other parts grow. Working together, the whole body is healthy and growing.
PRAYER: ”Father in Heaven, I am so glad that we rest in the cup of your hands and that you placed us with your community, that we might be encouraged and that we might encourage others. Amen.”
WEEK 1: Sept 7-13
KINGDOM LIVING
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
IceBreaker: What is something that you intended to do today, but didn’t? Why not?
Read Matthew 5:1-16 in more than one version.
How is Jesus’ teaching contrary to popular views/perspective?
What is Jesus’ promise to those who seek His kingdom first?
What helps us to bear up under persecution?
What kind or type of persecution would you find most challenging? Has there been a time when you have experienced persecution because of your stand in Christ? Talk about it.
What is your take away from these passages of scripture? Did any verse stir up in you a question that was not answered?
DIGGING DEEPER
Kingdom Living
— CONTRIBUTED BY MICHAEL W.J. KOPULOS / MORETOWONDER.ORG —
ANCHOR TEXT: He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3 NASB)
COMMENTARY: Before Jesus dispenses with the core of His teaching, a blessing proceeds from His mouth. Moreover, this blessing serves as a theological anchor to secure the hard teaching that follows to God’s mercy and grace. While He will address an insurmountable interpretation of the Law and the Prophets, He advances His call to kingdom living with a blessing of kingdom grace.
The Greek, makários (μακάριος), meaning blessed, serves as a pronouncement of the Messiah and His purpose in coming. More than an instructive checklist, the blessings address the reason for the Messiah’s coming. He comes to hurting people, people humbled by circumstance. These more likely hunger and thirst as peace-loving community members and devoted lovers of God. The Lord came to bind up the broken-hearted who suffer under oppression and lack justice.
The Greek also finds a coordinate in the Hebrew shalom. This word means so much more than peace. It relates to every aspect of abundant living: health, family, community, finances, and joy.
Christ repeats this blessing eight times (the ninth, a repetition). The number eight symbolizes Heaven in the Bible. This proves no coincidence since Jesus assigns the Kingdom of Heaven to those He blesses. The possessive pronoun, theirs, indicates a sense of relational belonging that affords them myriad blessings in contrast to their current condition.
APPLICATION: Coming to a place where we understand the riches we possess in Christ inspires worship of our Lord and Savior. It impels us to hunger for His instruction and to live in accordance with it. In this, He makes us ready for the rest of the sermon.
PRAYER: “Lord, I find inspiration in Your mercy and grace to observe Your instruction. I submit my will to Yours and Your kingdom purposes out of gratitude for the blessing that You grant me in Your love. Amen.”
WEEK 1 - MONDAY
Christianity Is Countercultural
— CONTRIBUTED BY THERESA HEINRICH —
Christianity is completely countercultural. Not only that, but it’s also counter to human nature! All around us, society is constantly telling us how to think and live. It is confusing if we do not stay grounded in the truth of God’s Word.
The world says, “Be proud of yourself!”
Jesus counters with, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
The world says, “Be happy! Positive thinking!”
Jesus says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Burger King says, “Have it your way!”
Jesus says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”
Nike says, “Just do it!”
Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.”
In our flesh, we look for temporary comfort, human affirmation and personal gain. Jesus calls us to the opposite of these amenities. God is good. He knows best. He calls us to live according to His ways and the truth. Living according to His will brings blessing and glory to Him. Kingdom living is countercultural to our flesh and the world’s ways. In this manner, we are the “salt of the earth.” We bring the flavor and taste of the Good News of Jesus to those around us!
Living for Jesus will be completely countercultural to the world and your human nature, but it will also be the only way to blessing and obedience in Christ.
PRAYER: “Father in Heaven, help me to resist the temptation and enticements of the world and keep my eyes upon You. Lead me and guide me today, so that I might be a fragrant aroma of your grace to those around me. Amen.”
WEEK 1 - TUESDAY
Representing Christ Through Good Works
— CONTRIBUTED BY RACQUEL LOPEZ —
We wear many hats—mom, worker, leader, friend, wife, and servant. We often find ourselves juggling numerous responsibilities. In the busyness, it can be easy to let the primacy of worship slip through the cracks. However, worship isn’t confined to the songs we sing on Sunday mornings or the prayers we whisper in quiet moments. True worship encompasses every aspect of our lives, particularly in how we represent Christ through our good works.
Worship is giving honor to God. It’s a heart posture that recognizes His sovereignty and goodness in every circumstance. When we prioritize worship, we align our hearts with God’s will, enabling us to reflect His love and grace to those around us.
Our good works are not just tasks to be checked off a list, they are the overflow of a heart that worships God. When we serve others selflessly, we demonstrate the character of Christ who “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). Whether it’s preparing a meal for a neighbor, offering a listening ear to a friend, or leading a ministry project, these actions glorify God and make His presence tangible to those around us.
So, as you go about your day, let the light of Christ shine brightly through your good deeds. Your worshipful heart and servant spirit can touch lives in profound ways, pointing others to the Father who loves them deeply.
PRAYER: “Lord, help me to prioritize worship in all areas of my life. Let my actions reflect Your love and grace, so that others may see Your light through my good works. Strengthen me in my many roles and help me to serve with a heart full of worship. Amen.”
WEEK 1 - WEDNESDAY
Impacting Our World
— CONTRIBUTED BY DAVID TURNBAUGH —
Jesus called His disciples salt of the earth, which has become a common phrase to describe a person who is genuine, hard- working, and honest. Salty people are good company, helpful, and a joy to help. Relationships with them are healthy. We admire these people because knowing them makes life better. They are worth their salt. And that is what a Spirit-filled Christian is.
That’s salt. It is meant to add flavor to food. Salt gives itself to accomplish its purpose. If it does not do that, what good is it? Salt is not intended to stay in the shaker.
One could say that the “flavor” we add to life as followers of Jesus is our good works, done with the right attitude. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). If I am a believer, and people generally do not look forward to seeing me, I may have lost my saltiness. If others do not notice any difference between me and an unbeliever, I may have lost my saltiness.
How observant am I to perceive signs that confirm my saltiness, or that I am not salty? What is on my mind when I interact with others? Am I loving? Argumentative? Helpful? Selfish? Generous? Am I worth my salt? Does my friendship with another person make him/her better? Or do others give me a wide berth? What other signals can reveal whether I am salty?
PRAYER: “Lord, thank you for your great love, shown to us in the person of your Son, Jesus. Help me to discover and carry out ways that I can be an example of Jesus to others and draw them to you. Amen.”
WEEK 1 - THURSDAY
Let Your Light Shine
— CONTRIBUTED BY DR. JIM HUCKABA —
Corrie TenBoom used a great illustration when speaking on letting your light shine before men. She would take a flashlight from her pocket, turn it on and say, “Let your light shine.” But there was no light. She would take off the end of the flashlight and reveal only one battery. “Oh, if you want your light to shine, you need both your willingness and God’s power.” She would take a battery from her pocket and put it in the flashlight and re-assemble it, click it on, and again, no light! Again, she would take it apart with a quizzical look and discover a dollar bill stuffed between the battery and the light. “Oops! If you want your light to shine, there can’t be anything in the way of your witness!”
If we want our lights to shine for Jesus in these troubled times, we need to watch two things in our lives. First, be connected to the power of our God by faith and godly living. Too often we overlook Bible reading, prayer, worship and fellowship, and our batteries weaken or die.
Second, we cannot let material desires stand in the way of our connection to God’s power and light. Even good desires for family, comfort, enjoyment and abundance–or perhaps ungodly desires that sometimes invade our lives–can stand between us and God’s power that makes our lights shine brightly.
Let’s be sure that we are completely connected to “the Light of Life.”
PRAYER: “Lord, let my life shine brightly for You. If there is anything that is hindering people seeing Jesus in me, bring that to my attention, so that I might humble myself under Your mighty hand and allow You to transform me into Your likeness. Amen.”
WEEK 1 - FRIDAY
Heavenly Rewards
— CONTRIBUTED BY GORDON CHING —
Webster’s Dictionary defines a reward as something given or received in return for a deed or service rendered, or to promote or reinforce a desired action. In today’s culture, we are bombarded with countless earthly or temporal rewards. They could be monetary (promotions, raises, bonuses, free stuff) or recognition (awards, certificates, trophies).
In the above passages, we as believers are promised eternal rewards. But unlike earthly rewards (which provide instant gratification), we must wait until we reach Heaven to receive our eternal rewards. The Bible is not clear on exactly what form these rewards will be. Some passages reference a crown, one that perhaps we can cast before the Lord in Heaven (Revelation 4:10). Randy Alcorn, in his book Heaven, writes that a crown signifies kingship, and our reward could be that we are given authority to rule over an assigned area of the New Earth. Whatever form they take, we can rest assured that they will be rich, glorious and beyond our wildest expectations (1 Corinthians 2:9).
Unlike earthy rewards, our motivation to earn eternal rewards is not the reward itself. And it is certainly not to earn our salvation. Our motivation to serve and perform good works is out of our desire to obey, honor, love and ultimately glorify the Lord. As Charles Thomas Studd wrote in his poem “Only One Life”: “Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”
APPLICATION: What types of rewards are you currently striving harder for, temporal or eternal? What is your motivation for pursuing eternal rewards?
PRAYER: “Lord, help me to ignore earthy rewards and instead focus on eternal rewards. Help my motivation never to be about the reward itself, but out of my faith, love, and obedience to you. Amen.”
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