Mark 4 For the next four weeks we will look at some of the things Jesus said in the gospel of Mark. In verses thirteen through twenty, Jesus explained the parable of the sower. We need to reflect and think about what kind of soil we are right now. To produce a crop, we have to be good soil. We are not going to be able to produce a crop if we; let Satan take God’s word from us, let trouble or persecution turn us from God, or let the worries of the day, the deceitfulness of gaining wealth, and the desires for things not from God choke God’s word in us. When we humbly acknowledge what kind of soil we are, we can then show grace to others with the knowledge that they may be in a different situation than we are in. God wants all of us to be good soil that produces a crop, but it is a process for soil to become good. Some people need distractions removed from their life. Some people need more intentional time spent reading God’s word. Some people need to change what their priorities are in life. What in your life is causing God’s word to be unfruitful? What in your life is causing God’s word to be fruitful? How have you treated people this week that are in different situations than you? Please read the following for next week: Mark 9
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Matthew 7 Today we will finish our study in Matthew, where we have been looking at some of the things Jesus said. We are looking at chapter seven today which contains the last part of “the sermon on the mount.” In verse five Jesus said, “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” As children of God, we must get areas of our lives fixed by God before we try to “fix” an area in someone else’s life. Jesus is the only person to ever live a perfect life. All the rest of us have planks in our eyes now or we used to have planks in our eyes. Jesus gave a warning about the wide gate and broad road that leads to destruction. Numerous people want the freedom to do what they want, when they want, how they want, where they want, and with whoever they want. And they want no negative consequences from their use of that freedom. Unfortunately, a lot of people will freely choose the broad road that leads to destruction. The broad road allows people to be “free,” but it does not lead to life. Only the narrow road, following Jesus, leads to life. How do you know when you have a plank in your eye? How do you stay on the narrow road that leads to life? What verse(s) stood out to you in chapter seven? Please read the following for next week: Mark 4 Matthew 6 This week we are still studying the words of Jesus in Matthew. We will look at some of the things he said in the sixth chapter of Matthew today. Jesus said that giving to the needy and fasting should not be broadcast for everyone to know about. If we want to be rewarded by God for giving to the needy and fasting, then we need to do them without telling everyone what we are doing or what we did. God will not reward us if we are just doing things to look righteous or loving to others. Jesus shared how we should pray in verses nine through thirteen. Jesus did not say that was what we should pray every time we talk to God. We are to pray to God in secret without babbling. Then God will reward us, if we pray how Jesus shared how to pray. Jesus shared words of assurance in verses twenty-five through thirty-four. We should not worry about the things we need, because God knows what we need and will provide for our needs. How do you pray to God? What things have you done in secret that God rewarded you for? How do you respond to God when he provides what you need? Please read the following for next week: Matthew 7 Matthew 5 This week we will continue our study in Matthew. We are looking at Jesus and his words. We are focusing on Jesus and his words because when we face temptations and hard times, Jesus and his words will help us get through them. Take your time and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what you need to apply in your life from this chapter in Matthew. Maybe you need to encourage yourself or someone you know with words in verses three through twelve. Maybe there are other words you need to read and hide in your heart this week. Reflect on those words and allow them to help you in your relationship with Jesus. How has Jesus helped you so far this week? How has knowing some of the words of Jesus helped you recently? What are some things Jesus said that are hard to apply to your life here in America? Please read the following for next week: Matthew 6 |
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