October 7, 2021 Scripture: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16 ESV Observation: Matthew begins chapter 10 with Jesus’ commissioning of his twelve disciples. They are to follow Jesus’ example: stay focused on their target group (the lost sheep of the […]
Daily Focus: “Yes, Lord”
October 6, 2021 Scripture: When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Matthew 9:28 ESV Observation: In chapter 9, Matthew arranges Jesus’ encounters with the crowd in sequential Q&A. First, scribes question his authority […]
Daily Focus: Rest For Our Souls
October 5, 2021 Scripture: And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. Matthew 8:23-24 ESV Observation: Matthew records the above event after Jesus dialogued with a teacher of the law and […]
Daily Focus: Ultimate Healing
October 4, 2021 Scripture: This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.” Matthew 8:17 Observation: In chapter 8, Matthew reports that Jesus healed the diseased of body and mind. Whether it be touching an untouchable leper (verses 1-4), pronouncing healing of a Centurians’s servant sight-unseen (verses 5-13), […]
Daily Focus: Worth It
October 3, 2021 Scripture: “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.” Matthew 7:13-14 ESV Observation: In this […]
Daily Focus: His Righteousness
October 2, 2021 Scripture: “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 6:1 ESV Observation: The middle part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount addresses a temptation that all of us struggle to resist: seeking recognition. […]
