Matthew 19:1-15

Reference: v.13 Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. (NIV Bible)

Explore: There is a big electrical neon sign just down the road from my house. Usually these signs inform drivers of a change in traffic directions or alert them to roadworks up ahead.

This sign was different however. The massive bright sign just had two words emblazoned across it… “DRIVE SAFELY.”

Initially I thought this was absolutely ridiculous. Does this sign presume that I was driving recklessly before I saw it? Isn’t driving safely the norm rather than the exception?

But then I realized I need to halt my skepticism. Because I had seen that sign I had become more aware of my driving. While I should always be driving safely it’s not always the case.

This sign, while obvious, was a good reminder of what I should already have been doing.

Application: When people brought their children to Jesus it is no surprise that He was happy to spend time with them. A couple of chapters earlier he had mentioned how important they were to God.

And yet the disciples rebuked the parents for bothering Jesus with such small (literally) concerns. This is where Jesus had to show the disciples a DRIVE SAFELY sign.

Although they should already have known Jesus’ love for all people they needed to be reminded.

That’s where I find the Bible so incredibly helpful. While I may read a passage that seems fairly obvious to my understanding of Christ it is good to have those reminders along the way.

While the road authorities are keen to remind me to DRIVE SAFELY Jesus is also keen to send me daily reminders of I LOVE YOU, MY GRACE IS ENOUGH FOR YOU and DON’T FORGET TO LOVE OTHERS.

Prayer: Lord, may I heed the signs that you show me today so that I can draw closer to You and show Your love to others. Amen.

What reminder have you heard from God this week?

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Psalm 94:1-23

Reference: v.9 Does he who fashioned the ear not hear?
Does he who formed the eye not see?

Explore: My mum is the best cook in the world! Ok, well she may not win any MasterChef competition, but I think her food is the best.

She has been cooking great meals for so long that she never follows a recipe. She will just add a little bit of this, and a shake of that, and it all turns out perfectly.

And she certainly knows her way around a kitchen. She can have the mixer going, something boiling on the stove top, and six different items in the oven, and she still has it all under control.

When it comes to eating at my mother’s house I know that I will enjoy every meal that is served.

Application: I have complete faith in my mother’s ability to cook delicious meals. However, there are times when I am not so confident in God’s ability to understand my situation.

If I am dealing with a certain issue I can often doubt that God has it all under control. It’s like looking in my mother’s kitchen and seeing so many things on the go, I wonder whether it’s all going to turn out ok.

However hard it is to believe, I know that God is even more capable than my mother. Not only does He have everything within His power, but He’s even created my world to begin with.

Why is it that I doubt my powerful, all-knowing Saviour? Psalm 94 was a good reminder for me that God does know what’s going on for me. He created the ear so He knows how to hear me and He created the eye so He’s more than capable of seeing me.

When things get tough, and I feel out of my depth, I need to rely on the God who made it all come to pass.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for doubting your omnipotence. May I always rely on your never-failing love. Amen.

What is going on in your life that you need to give over to our reliable God?

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Matthew 18:15-35

Reference: v.15 “If a brother or sister sins, go and point out the fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” (TNIV Bible)

Explore: I really enjoy Facebook. I like keeping in touch with old friends and acquaintances I don’t see very often.

For work (Melbourne radio station, LightFM) we use Facebook as an extra way to connect with our listeners during and outside our show. There are lots of ways that Facebook brings people closer together.

However, Facebook isn’t always the best place to air your thoughts. So many times I have seen people update their status in a negative way.

Particularly within the teenage population, but not exclusively, Facebook is used as a public forum to pull down someone you don’t like. Typing something into a computer is a lot easier than saying it to their face, and so, Facebook becomes a means of pay-back to someone you are angry with.

It’s the ultimate passive-aggressive move, to post something publicly for all to see. However, there are huge ramifications in the real world when something has been spoken in the cyber world. We are not removed from what we write, and tension and hatred increase when discussions are done online rather than face-to-face.

Application: When Jesus encouraged people to deal with their problems face-to-face he wasn’t even referring to Facebook back then! However, through all the ages He knew that dealing with your issues head-on leads to the best result.

These verses in Matthew 18 are so helpful and practical. If we were all to live according to this guidance then there would be much less hatred and war in our world today.

Prayer: Lord, while it is easy to write words of hatred may we be compelled to face up to our disagreements. Bring peace and reconciliation to our world. Amen.

Who do you need to meet with face-to-face?

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Matthew 18:1-14

Reference: v.6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were drowned in the depths of the sea. (TNIV Bible)

Explore: There are times in my life when I am forced to stop and think, ‘How could anyone be so mean?’

A friend of mine recently came into contact with her parents. She had been in the foster system since she had finished primary school and had no contact with them in that whole time. This was a huge step for her after all the memories of hurt and abuse.

But what happened on that day is beyond my understanding.

Emma was waiting for her parents at their house and when they arrived home they parked in the garage. Her mother came towards Emma and asked if she could help her. (Understandably, Emma had changed a great deal since she was a young child living with them.)

Emma said, “It’s me, Emma.” To which her mother replied, “I don’t know an Emma.”

“It’s your daughter, Emma,” she explained.

“I don’t have a daughter called Emma,” her mother said. Then walked away and closed the garage as Emma stood there in disbelief.

Who does that? Who is that heartless? Who could possibly reject any human being in such a heartless way, let alone their own daughter?

I don’t think I will ever understand the actions of some people.

Application: Jesus was quite matter-of-fact about people who came between him and children. In a number of significant stories about Jesus, He was known to elevate children to a level that was beyond culture’s understanding.

On top of raising up the children, he was also very blunt as to what should happen to adults who did not see children as being as important as He did.

While I am far from a perfect human being, Matthew 18 has been a good reminder to appreciate our children more, and acknowledge how important they are to God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we love children as you love them. May we work to care and support all children that come into our lives. Amen.

Which child in your life needs some extra love and care?

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Matthew 17:14-27

Reference: v.14 When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. (TNIV Bible)

Explore: I was chatting to a friend the other day explaining that I had been having trouble getting to sleep at night.

My friend is a real fix-it kind of person, so started suggesting all these strategies that I should try. The list went from smelling lavendar to turning on the radio. She paused, looked at me and then whispered, “You know the best remedy I find for sleeplessness… praying! It only takes me a couple of minutes chatting to God and I fall into a deep sleep.”

The reason she whispered this was not because God had answered her prayer, but because she felt guilty that she fell asleep whilst connecting with God.

I have to admit that she’s not alone. I have been known to fall asleep in the middle of a prayer. Regularly I would wake up in the morning and realize that I never said ‘Amen’ to finish my prayer the night before.

I would be mortified if I fell asleep in front of someone in the middle of a conversation, however, I don’t seem as worried about it with God.

Application: When a man approached Jesus in Matthew 17 it is recorded that he ‘knelt before him.’ This is such a tangible display of honour and respect. This man considered Jesus so highly that I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t have fallen asleep in His presence!

When my regular prayer time was just before bed I started the habit of kneeling beside my bed to pray. This had two benefits: 1. It was a position of respect and worship as I committed time to God and 2. I never fell asleep while on my knees!

While it is great to have a close and personal relationship with our Saviour we must not get too complacent and not show the appropriate amount of honour and respect.

Prayer: Lord, while you are our best friend you are also the creator of the universe. May we find a healthy balance of love and respect for you. Amen.

What is a way you can show your respect to the Lord?

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Matthew 17:1-13

Reference: v. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. (TNIV Bible)

Explore: I recently saw a cute little youtube video that went viral: Lily’s Disneyland Surprise

The video is of young Lily who gets to go to Disneyland for her birthday. Lily is enjoying opening all of her birthday presents, but becomes so shocked when she discovers she is going to Disneyland.

Although this is one of the happiest moments of her life she doesn’t know what to say, and so, responds in quite an overwhelming way. It seems that the shock and excitement of it all just gets too much for such a young girl.

Application: When Jesus took Peter, James and John up a mountain he changed before their eyes and shone with radiance. This would have been such an incredible sight for the three disciples; I’d love to know what was going through their minds.

Did they burst into tears like Lily? Did they stand there with their mouths gaping open? Or were they so used to the unusual happening around Jesus that they just played it cool?

When my time on this earth is finally finished, and I stand before the Lord, I wonder what my reaction will be. Will I be like Peter and desire to set up a place of honour for God? Or will I be silent like the other two disciples?

While I can’t imagine how I will respond, I know that the beauty of Christ will blow any doubt from my faith away.

Prayer: Lord, may we be open enough to respond honestly to you. When we are down may we share with you our tears and when we are rejoicing may our thanks to you be the first thing on our lips. Amen.

How do you think you would respond if you saw the radiance of Christ before you?

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Psalm 93:1-5

Reference: v.4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea – the Lord on high is mighty. (TNIV Bible)

Explore: The other day I was out walking along one of the tracks around my house. It was a lovely warm afternoon, and yet we had had quite a wild storm the night before.

As I walked along I could see how strong the winds had been as there were leaves and twigs lying all over the place having been blown off the trees.

I was happy to do my citizen’s duty by removing a few of the fallen twigs off the path. As I continued down a particularly tree-lined track, I noticed a tree branch that had fallen right across the path.

Keen to keep up my helpful duties I thought I would help future travelers by removing the branch. As I moved towards the obstructed path I noticed that the branch got bigger and bigger as I came closer. By the time I was only a few meters from the ‘branch’ I realized it was the same size as a medium tree!

I still leaned over to see if I could move the branch off the path only to discover that I couldn’t even budge the smallest part of it!

Application: That massive ‘branch’ got me thinking. The tree that once held that branch, as one of its many limbs, must be so strong and firmly planted to stay upright.

And with such a strong tree it led me to think that the wind last night must have been so fierce and persistent to bring down such a sturdy branch.

We can look all around us and see many things that are strong, powerful, magnificent, steadfast, secure and firm. And our Creator has made all of these things. If His creation is so majestic imagine how much more awesome He is!

The Psalms have a beautifully poetic way of bringing out God’s splendor through creation. We all have the chance to be like the psalmist. If we are to notice God’s wonderful creation then it can only point us to greater understanding of how magnificent our God is.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for Your creation. It’s great that we can witness Your power and might through that which You have created. Amen.

What is something great in your world that points you to our Lord’s majesty?

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Matthew 16:13-28

Reference: v.15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” (TNIV Bible)

Explore: Who do you say I am?

To my parents I am their youngest child, to my siblings I am their sister, to my husband I am his wife, to my daughter I’m her foster mum, to my colleagues I am their producer, to my school mates I’m their life-long friend, to my hairdresser I’m her client…

While I am just one person, I hold various titles for different people.

Application: When Jesus asked His disciples what people were saying about Him, they answered with many different titles. I think if Peter had not jumped in so quickly we would have heard some of the disciples thoughts about Jesus and maybe a few other titles.

To them Jesus would have been a friend, a leader and a traveling companion. But Peter came up trumps saying that Jesus is the Messiah.

Even today there are people who are willing to believe that Jesus lived, but they give him different titles – a good man, a prophet, a significant person in history.

However, calling Jesus your Saviour puts him in a completely different category. You’re not just acknowledging his existence, but stating the change he is having in your life.

Jesus is my Saviour and because of that I hold the most important title of all: Child of God.

Prayer: Lord God, it’s hard to believe that we are embraced into Your family just by accepting Jesus as our Saviour. May we hold the title of being ‘your child’ as the most precious name of all. Amen.

What are some of the titles you hold? What are the most important?

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Matthew 16:1-12

Reference: v.2 He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ (TNIV Bible)

Explore: I can’t remember who it was that first told me this saying, but I have used it many days since: ‘Red sky at night, shepherd delight; Red sky in the morning, shepherds warning.’

In fact every single time I see the sky at dawn or dusk I will say this little rhyme. And it always works. I love having some little barometer in my head to help predict the weather.

Sure, some people listen to the weather report on the news to get their updates, I just have my own little poem!!

Application: It’s great to have some assistance when it comes to foreseeing the future. We will never know exactly what is to take place, but there are times when we could have a pretty good guess.

If you see a student slacking off on their homework, then you can predict that they will struggle come exam time. If you see a colleague in conflict with the company’s management, then you can predict that they may not have a job with that organization for much longer.

These ‘predictions’ do not need a crystal ball to discern, they are actually more common sense and human understanding.

I think we can often become blind to predicting what will come in our future. I’m not meaning we should have our tarot cards read – far from that! What I’m talking about is common understanding of action and reaction.

Whenever we act in a certain way there is going to be a reaction.

If I eat too much food I will put on weight; if I’m rude to someone I will jeopardize a relationship; if I’m slack at work I will not get promoted. Some people don’t seem to understand that the way we act has an impact on how others react.

Jesus encouraged His disciples to look around them so they could understand the state of the world at that time. I hear that same prompting again today.

We need to stop focusing on what is being done to us and start striving to have a Godly impact on the world around us. Our actions can make a difference.

Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to the impact my actions can have, not just on my own life, but on the lives of those around me. Amen.

What action can you take today to help bring a more Godly atmosphere to your world?

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Matthew 15:1-39

Reference: v.32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” (TNIV Bible)

Explore: There are many things in this world that I do not understand, but I would have to say that one thing baffles me the most. I cannot understand how people say that they forgot to eat a meal.

Often this conversation arises over dinner when someone confesses that they are rather hungry because they ‘forgot to have lunch’. This is quite perplexing on a number of levels.

1. When I am eating a meal I am already thinking about what I will consume when the next mealtime comes along.
2. An hour before a meal I am already getting hungry and
3. Who could forget the best time of the day?!

It’s no surprise to you that food is very precious to me, and I can assure you that it would be a very strange day if you ever heard me say, “Oh, I forgot to have a meal today.”

Application: Matthew 15 tells us of one occasion when Jesus feeds thousands of people with only a couple of loaves of bread and a few fish. This miracle is amazing, but what jumped out at me reading through it this time was that the people had been with Jesus for THREE days.

That means that they would have gone without many conveniences, one being food, as Jesus was concerned for their wellbeing.

It’s amazing that when it comes time to worship together, for me, I can often think of an excuse – had a hard week, too busy, feeling unwell, very tired, etc, etc. And yet, these people were so committed to being in the crowd before Jesus, that they stayed for three days, even without food.

True worship comes with sacrifice as it shows our commitment to what we are doing. And yet, the sacrifice did not go unrewarded. Because of the people’s dedication to stay with Jesus they were witnesses to one of the greatest miracles the world has ever seen.

Prayer: Lord, it’s so easy to justify not doing something. May we be dedicated in our worship so that we have an experience of your wonder. Amen.

What can you sacrifice this week in order to give more in your worship?

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Matthew 14:22-36

Reference: v.30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” (TNIV Bible)

Explore: Last year, for some unknown reason, I had a bad dose of acne. Now acne is not cool when you’re a teenager and, let me assure you, it doesn’t get any cooler when you’re in your thirties!

Whenever I looked in the mirror all I could see were the pimples on my face. I felt like they were enormous volcanoes protruding from my face for everyone to notice.

I tried to cover them up with make up, and yet, they never totally disappeared. I wondered what people would think of me with such obvious blemishes.

When I finally got the courage to speak to a close and honest friend about my skin, I was shocked at her response. She said she’d never noticed the pimples and was surprised that I would be so worried about them.

Application: Sometimes we can get so focused on something insignificant that it blinds us from everything else.

I was so blinded by my acne that I couldn’t see how others really perceived me. But I’m not alone. We can all get focused on the wrong things at times.

Some people get so focused on their work that they forget about the importance of their family; some people get so focused on buying a special item that they forget about their future budgeting; some people get so focused on a new relationship that they forget about old friends.

When Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on water with Jesus he started out well. He looked to Jesus and trusted Him. However, he then focused on something less important.

As soon as Peter focused his attention on the wind, he forgot about his trust in Jesus and started to sink.

When we take a step out in faith there will be other things that come our way to distract us. The best thing that we can do is to stay focused on the right thing and put our trust completely in Christ.

Prayer: Lord, there always seems to be things to distract us. Just as the wind was a concern for Peter, concerns creep into our lives too. Help us to stay focused on You and not allow the distraction to take over. Amen.

What do you find is a common distraction in your life?

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Psalm 92:1-15

Reference: v.4 For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. (NIV Bible)

Explore: My friend has a habit of verbalizing her thoughts through song. If she has a bowl of porridge in front of her, she’ll suddenly break out into a little ditty, “I have porridge, I have porridge, I have porridge for breakfast, and it’s so yummy.”

She was aware that she did this on occasion, however, her work colleague has noticed that she does it constantly throughout the whole day.

A few months ago she was caught out literally singing her own praises. She was talking to a client on the phone at work trying to assist them through some concerns that they had.

When she hung up the phone she was quite proud of how she had been able to help, so sung out loud, “I am so very good at my job…” only to discover that she hadn’t hung the phone up properly and the client was still on the other end of the phone!

Application: Singing can be a great expression of how we feel. The Psalms are a great place where we can hear people’s thoughts about God.

Knowing how important music can be for expression, the writer of Psalm 92 encourages us to sing to God.

Luckily it doesn’t say we have to sing well, or even make it rhyme! In singing to God we are able to express our love and appreciation to our Lord.

Prayer: Lord, Thank you for the creation of music. The songs we sing can help us to express ourselves and connect more with you. Amen.

What is your favourite song of all time?

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Matthew 14:1-22

Reference: v.13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. (TNIV Bible)

Explore: I remember exactly where I was when I first heard that Diana, Princess of Wales, had died.

It was 1997 and I was living in a tiny apartment on Melbourne’s east side with my mate, Andy. I had the TV on in the background and it suddenly caught my attention. A news report seemed to be saying that Princess Diana had been involved in a car accident.

Although I had never lived in England and I’d never met Diana, I was completely shocked at the news. I can remember just standing in the middle of the lounge room staring at the TV in disbelief.

It was not that I thought she was infallible, it’s just that I didn’t expect her to die at such a young age.

Application: Death is a reality for all of humanity, but it still shocks us to the core when it does happen.

When Jesus found out about John the Baptist’s death, it had a huge impact on him too. I don’t know how close these two men were, but it hit home so strongly that Jesus actually withdrew himself from the crowds of people.

When I read about Jesus’ reaction it reminds me how Jesus experienced our human emotions. At times, when I think of Christ, I think that Jesus was so untouchable that his emotions never overcame Him. But this was wrong on many occasions.

When John was killed Jesus was emotionally moved. He does understand what it’s like to lose someone; to never have them in your life again.

We all experience grief and loss at some time. It gives me comfort to know that Jesus understands how I feel.

Prayer: Lord, we don’t like experiencing the aching pain that comes with loss. May we be open to Your love and comfort during these times as you sympathize with us. Amen.

When have you experienced deep loss?

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Matthew 13:44-58

Reference: v.44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

Explore: My husband really enjoys being in water. He’s never lived by the beach, but he’s always keen for a day trip to the sea or a drive to the pool.

When we moved to our own house, Cam decided it would be great to get a spa… I was not convinced. However, Cam was quite adamant.

He started researching spas on the internet, he would visit spa shops on the weekend, and everyone he met who had a spa would get interrogated on the pros and cons of owning one!

After nine months of research, investigation and dreaming, Cam found his piece de resistance. It was on eBay and going for a bargain. So he sat me down, armed with all his persuasive information to convince me that buying a spa was the best thing in the world.

I have to admit, while I still wasn’t keen on purchasing a spa, I had to give Cam credit for his thorough investigation into obtaining this new addition.

Application: It’s amazing that when we find something we really want we suddenly have all the time in the world to find and acquire it.

Jesus said that the Kingdom of Heaven is as desirable as Cam’s spa. When you find it you will do all you can to save up and persuade your wife to obtain it!

And it’s true. Everyone is on the search for their piece of heaven. Some people think they can find it in partying, or money, or success, or friendships, or fame. But those people will never truly find fulfillment.

As Christians the closer we are to God and living out His purpose for our lives, the closer we are to the Kingdom of Heaven. Some people say that they don’t have the time to really commit to being a Christian, but we all find the time for the things that mean a great deal to us.

Prayer: Lord, as you are present here on earth we can find our own piece of the Kingdom of Heaven. Each time we love in your name, you are present and your Kingdom is made real. Thank you for blessing us with your kingdom right here on earth. Amen.

Is there an area of your faith that you have been putting off because you don’t have the time?

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Matthew 13:1-43

Reference: v.22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to people who hear the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.

Explore: I love going to the cinema. I like a whole range of movie genres and allow myself to get swept up in the storyline each and every time.

While I have quite a few cinemas around where I live, there is a personal favourite I like to go to. It’s not because it has the best seats or the biggest screen or the clearest sound system. No, it’s because it’s near the best lolly shop!

When I enter into this store it is wall-to-wall lollies. I grab a little tub and go around the room choosing my pick-n-mix very carefully. As I’m rather partial to chocolate, my lolly bag ends up being rather heavy, therefore quite expensive. But it’s a special treat I allow myself to add to my movie experience.

From chocolate-coated cashews to red skins, from mint patties to jelly beans, from honeycomb to skittles, I carefully choose them all.

Depending on the quality of the movie, there are times when the lolly purchasing is more entertaining than the film itself!!

Application: When it comes to choosing lollies I am VERY fussy. I carefully choose the ones my tastebuds like the best and even vary the amount according to my favourites.

I have to admit, though, that I’m not just particular about choosing lollies, there are times when I can be just as selective when it comes to spreading the Word of God. Only when there is someone I know and am comfortable with, will I start to share my faith.

I don’t want to waste my time on someone who is not ready and willing to hear my faith story. However, this is not what Jesus instructed us to do.

When Jesus was explaining the Parable of the Sower He did not say, “Only spread seed on ground that is good soil.” No. He explained that despite there being some soil that is more fertile than others, the farmer was to spread seed everywhere.

We are to be the same when we are spreading the Word of God. We are not to be the ones to test and determine the soil, we are the ones who are called to spread the seed.

So often we can be as picky with what we say about God as I am when I choose my lollies for the cinema. However, when it comes to spreading the Word this parable encourages us to continue proclaiming. Our hard work does not always bring fruit, however, it is what Jesus calls us to do.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for being selective when I’m choosing who I talk to about You. May my words and actions make it evident to everyone I meet that You are my Saviour. Amen.

How can you spread God’s seed today?

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