Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Study of Matthew

I want to read the entire Bible in 2016. So I devised a plan. I contemplated many but I decided to start with the new Testament and therefore am reading Matthew currently. The study is two fold. One as I read I will look for verses or messages that relate to the monthly Soul Care theme (Which for January is Fruits of the Spirit-Love) Second I will look for God's voice in my reading. Messages that resonant and speak to me.

Since I did not start reading until January 4th, I had some catching up to do....Monday I read Matthew 1-6 and today I read 7-10. I have made it a practice to read the verses aloud because I have discovered in the past that it really helps me to stay focused on the message.


As I read through the chapters I came across several gems that really spoke to my heart. One is Matthew 9:28 in which Jesus is healing the blind men and he asked..." Do you believe I am able to do this."  To which they answered "Yes Lord."

How many times do we ask God for something without TRULY believing he can do it?  For me personally it is more... that He can do it but I have a specific outcome I want rather than relying on His plan.  Reading this gave me pause because it pointed out that prayer without faith is like casting your line into an empty pond.

 
 
This has always been one of my favorite verses.  Our Father wants us to have what we need and he is always ready to listen and intercede on our behalf.
 
 
 
I found a Soul Care theme gem too. When Jesus was speaking of false prophets he said, "by their fruit you will recognize them."  The false prophets of today may not be like the ones in Matthew...they may be more subtle and pervasive. It is easy to be lead into belief systems, especially in a political year, but what are the "fruits" of those belief systems? 
 
 
Hugs to each of you and may you recognize the fruits of many strong, good trees in your life! 

No comments:

Post a Comment

Soul Care 2020

I think 2020 will be a great year for another round of Soul Care. Well, technically we should be doing that all the time but lets put a spec...