This chapter describes Jesus’ temptation, his early ministry, and the calling of Simon (Peter), Andrew, James and John. “Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “He…
Month: May 2021
Matthew 3
In this chapter Jesus’ cousin John the Baptist is actively baptizing people (including Jesus) and rebuking the religious leaders who come to investigate him. ” ‘Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I…
Matthew 2
This chapter contains the fulfillment of four prophesies. “But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, ‘Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.’ And he rose and took…
Matthew 1
I’ve decided to take a break from the OT. This first chapter gives us a genealogy of Jesus on Joseph’s (His earthly father’s) side of the family. “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. …and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom…
A Prayer for Reconciliation from Prejudice
Yesterday I challenged us to invite God into revealing any prejudice within us, in the hope that would move us toward internal cleansing, and external reconciliation with those against whom we have (unintentionally) distorted views. Today I offer a prayer along those lines. Father God, our Loving and Compassionate Lord, Your heart toward reconciliation is…
Jonah 4
In this chapter we learn Jonah is angry that God spared the people of Nineveh – apparently he was hoping to see the city burned to the ground for these were his ‘enemies’ (Assyrians). “But God said to Jonah, ‘Do you do well to be angry for the plant?’ And he said, ‘Yes, I do…
Jonah 3
Jonah ‘obediently’ prophesies to Nineveh, and they repent of their wicked ways. “So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, three days’ journey in breadth. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s journey. And he called out, ‘Yet forty…
Jonah 2
This chapter consists of a prayer Jonah uttered while in the belly of the fish. ” ‘I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice. For you cast me into the deep, into the heart of the…
Jonah 1
This chapter informs us that Jonah is called by God to prophesy in the city of Nineveh, but he tries to flee God’s presence by taking a ship in the opposite direction. As a consequence God send a terrible storm upon the ship. “Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god……
A prayer for Healing
Today I offer a prayer for healing. This is a broken world, with much suffering and sickness. Illnesses run rampant, emotional distress abounds, mourning is a daily practice, and spirits are shattered. We need God’s compassionate healing hand upon us more than ever. Father God, our Compassionate and Loving Lord, You are abundant in mercy…