January 10
Matthew 8:1-17
How often do we just “go through the motions?” We can go to church every Sunday, give money away and back to God, read our Bibles, and be mostly nice to others. These are all good things, but they are also things we can take too much pride in—not one of those things buys us salvation. Being raised in a Christian home with parents who pray over you and take you to church every week is an amazing blessing, but that does not provide salvation either. There are thousands of examples of things that are great on the surface, but they all fall short. I had a friend/teammate in high school who shared the need for Christ with his dad often. Lee’s dad had the same response; "I have not murdered, I have never cheated on your mother, and I give to United Way; why would I need Jesus?"
In verses 11 and 12 Jesus says that many will come to the feast from everywhere and all walks of life, but some people who think they are in the kingdom, are actually out —and way out! Those that get tossed out rely on their family ties, religious discipline, or even think they are just nice enough people. Let’s have faith like the Roman centurion— he knew Jesus was Lord without any biblical training or religious schooling. The Roman KNEW Jesus. The only way to salvation is knowing and trusting in Jesus.
Lord, help us not to become trapped in religious rituals. Convict us of our reliance on ourselves. Turn our lack of faith into an abundance of faith as we bow down to worship your greatness. Thank you for your incredible love. Amen
Where do you see a reliance on self instead of Jesus?
How often do we just “go through the motions?” We can go to church every Sunday, give money away and back to God, read our Bibles, and be mostly nice to others. These are all good things, but they are also things we can take too much pride in—not one of those things buys us salvation. Being raised in a Christian home with parents who pray over you and take you to church every week is an amazing blessing, but that does not provide salvation either. There are thousands of examples of things that are great on the surface, but they all fall short. I had a friend/teammate in high school who shared the need for Christ with his dad often. Lee’s dad had the same response; "I have not murdered, I have never cheated on your mother, and I give to United Way; why would I need Jesus?"
In verses 11 and 12 Jesus says that many will come to the feast from everywhere and all walks of life, but some people who think they are in the kingdom, are actually out —and way out! Those that get tossed out rely on their family ties, religious discipline, or even think they are just nice enough people. Let’s have faith like the Roman centurion— he knew Jesus was Lord without any biblical training or religious schooling. The Roman KNEW Jesus. The only way to salvation is knowing and trusting in Jesus.
Lord, help us not to become trapped in religious rituals. Convict us of our reliance on ourselves. Turn our lack of faith into an abundance of faith as we bow down to worship your greatness. Thank you for your incredible love. Amen
Where do you see a reliance on self instead of Jesus?
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1 Comment
I'm a planner. Which also means I like to control situations to have the outcome I desire or I have to think quickly and pivot when challenges arise to impede the plan. Not in a negative way; this ability to plan in detail and see steps and create procedures has helped me build my career.
nHowever, I whole heartedly understand and am aware that this trait can keep me in a mode of self preservation and reaction. My life has been full of trauma response and my career has enabled similar micro situations that induce and continue this response. Therefore, it takes intential self intervention to seek grounding and balance. At night, when the kids are asleep, I finally have a moment... And I breathe, pray, meditate, and reflect. It's my moment to connect to Jesus. Connect to my true self and remind myself of my purpose as His disciple. I ask for guidance and clarity and rememberance. I thank Him, profusely. I take this moment to learn and prepare for tomorrow in a way that will honor Him more.
nI am always needing to remind myself that ALL is possible through Jesus. Every action at work or home is an opportunity to ask for His guidance. In the midst of the chaos of a single mom and career driven female, it's too easy to be swept away in the moment. But nights are my time for clarity in knowing that it wasn't me, it's by His grace.
nI pray to help me incorporate Him more throughout the day, not to bundle up these precious moments into the night. As I know, I need more of Him to help me through. Thank you, Jesus, Amen.