Today's reading: Matthew 18

I can't help noticing verse 6 of today's text, especially that heavy word (pardon the pun) millstone. Jesus' care for "these little ones who believe in me" is that serious. Perhaps we ought to have one in the Sunday School hallway to remind us how important is our care for kids? I joke (mostly), but truly few things are more important than our rearing the next generation in the faith. May we take it as seriously as Jesus does!

What's your Word?

Today's reading: Matthew 16-17 (note the two chapters today)

There's so much in these two chapters, but one surprising Word of Christ that grabs me today is "twisted"—as in, "O faithless and twisted generation..." (17:17). That word feels so fitting to describe our world. It is tied up, warped, and confused. For Jesus to say it is strangely...reassuring? He knows what we're up against, and He has the power to prevail over it all!

What's your Word?

Today's reading: Matthew 15

I'm grabbed by the word heart: quoting the OT, Jesus says, "This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me" (v. 8). Lord, how I pray that not be true of me! But I know it's so easy to fall into mere "lip service" when it comes to my relationship with the Lord. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me!

What's your Word?

Today's reading: Matthew 14

One word that grabs my attention today is satisfied, from the feeding of the 5,000+: "And they all ate and were satisfied" (v. 20). What the Lord did for the crowds physically, He intends to do for me and all believers spiritually. Psalm 63 says, "My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food." The stuff of this world simply cannot, will not satisfy; but the steadfast love of the Lord will satisfy us all our days!

What's your Word?

Today's reading: Matthew 13

I love this chapter and its parables, and the Word of Christ that jumps out at me is joy: "In his joy he goes and sells all that has..." (v. 44). I can't help but hear also Hebrews 12: "Fix your eyes on Jesus...who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross." Jesus, joy sent you to the cross, and you desire that I be filled with you joy (John 15:11). Grant that it be so!

What's your Word?

Today's reading: Matthew 12

Such a word of grace in today's reading, quoting from Isaiah: "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench" (v. 20). Father, thank you for your patience toward us! When my light is dim and my strength is failing, still you receive me!

What's your Word?

Today's reading: Matthew 11

I'm sensing a theme. My word yesterday involved persecution, and today it's violence: "The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force" (v. 12). Whatever else that might mean, I can't help but think of the violence that Jesus suffered for my sake. Now, nothing and no one can force me out of His hands, because He has laid ahold of me. 

What's your Word?