April 8, 2021

AS LITTLE CHILDREN

Matthew 18:1-6

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”

Encouraging Words

It is encouraging to know that the standard by which we are measured regarding our potential greatness in the kingdom of heaven is that of a child. Children are humble by nature. They are loving. They are transparent. The are sponges, taking in so much information and learning as they grow. These characteristics are what we should be pursing in our lives. This is why Jesus answered the question about greatness by pointing to the children. Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!

April 7, 2021

FOLLOWING CHRIST

Matthew 16:24-28

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”

Personal Challenge

Following Christ is not just a once a week thing. Jesus expects His followers to give their entire lives to Him by denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following Him. Yes, He loves us all, and He will still redeem those who choose to follow Him in a cavalier manner. If, however, we desire to not only see His Kingdom here on earth, but to the be in the midst of it every day of our lives, then we need to follow Him on His terms. Glory be to God!

April 6, 2021

HYPOCRITES!

Matthew 15:7-9

Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:

‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’

Personal Challenge

Jesus had no problem challenging the religious elite of His day who had added all sorts of restrictions and expectations on top of the teachings of the fathers of the church. They could not leave it alone and added all kinds of rules, traditions, and rubrics to make it hard for the common person to practice their faith. Jesus called them hypocrites. Have we started doing the same thing in our lives and churches? Do we do the same things with our practices of worship God? We need to stay true to the teachings of our fathers and practice the simple truths of our Lord. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

April 5, 2021

DO NOT BE AFRAID

Matthew 14:27

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

Encouraging Words

In many of the Old Testament teachings we are told to be fearful of God for what He could do to us because of our sinfulness. This often developed into a cowering in the corner form of fear. If we study how David and many of the other saints in the Old Testament lived their lives in relationship to God, they had developed a fear that was more about a respect for who God was and what He could do to them, but with a hope that God's mercy would always prevail. Jesus ushered in a new covenant with us where all of us can have this latter form of fear of our God and not be afraid at the same time. He is our intercessor and our source of hope for the mercy of God. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!

April 3, 2021

Saint of the Week

St. Isaac of Syria

April 2, 2021

HIDDEN TREASURE

Matthew 13:44

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Encouraging Words

It is hard to conceive of finding something so valuable that one would be willing to sell everything that they own in order to purchase the place where it was found. This is how we should view the kingdom of heaven that was ushered in by Jesus. It is more valuable than any thing or every thing that we could ever possess. It is the ultimate treasure. And yet so many of us leave it behind because the shiny bobbles of this temporal realm appear to out shine it. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

April 1, 2021

GO TO HIM

Matthew 11:28-30

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

Personal Challenge

Which yoke are we taking up and putting on our backs? Is it the yoke of the world or the yoke of Christ? He calls out to us and asks us to come to Him first. He asks us to take up His yoke. He offers us rest in response to our coming to Him and a yoke that is easy and light because He shares the weight. We need to examine the joke that we are carrying to make sure it is truly His. Glory be to God!