Today’s Reading: Gen 27:1–46, Matt 20:17–21:22, Eccles 6:5–12

Today’s Theme: Ask in prayer

We learn today that we should not rely on our own plans and power but that we should ask God to guide and provide for us as we serve Him and others in joy. We find true satisfaction in God alone.

Genesis 27:1–46

The folly of hating the Jews

Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be everyone who blesses you!” Genesis 27:29 (ESV)

This is why being anti-Jewish (anti-Semitic) is not only sinful but foolish because it is self destructive. This is like the promise God had made to Abraham.

Matthew 20:17–21:22

God was not surprised

“See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.” Matthew 20:18–19 (ESV)

Jesus was very aware of what would happen to Him, none of it came as a surprise. God knows everything, past, present and future… nothing surprises Him or is outside His control. Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection was not a tragedy, it was God’s great victory.

Joyfully serve

It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26–28 (ESV)

To lead like Jesus in God’s kingdom, we should joyfully serve God and others from a sincere heart.

True ministry

And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. Matthew 21:14 (ESV)

Once Jesus had cleared the temple of the traders (prosperity gospel etc.), then true ministry could take place.

Ask in prayer

And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22 (ESV)

What an awesome promise! Lord help us not to be swallowed up by pragmatism and our own schemes in getting things done, please help us to ask in prayer and keep on asking in faith until we receive, in accordance with Your good will.

Ecclesiastes 6:5–12

Jesus brings satisfaction

All the toil of man is for his mouth, yet his appetite is not satisfied. Ecclesiastes 6:7 (ESV)

We will only find satisfaction in Jesus if our appetite is directed towards Him.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

DG resources on prayer

Today’s reading: Gen 26:1–35, Matt 19:1–20:16, Eccles 6:1–4

Today’s theme: Bring children to Jesus

Today there is a theme of us praying for our children and having child-like humility and obedience. One of the most important lessons we see is that we must bring our children to Jesus and not hinder them from coming to Him because of our own shortcomings.

Genesis 26:1–35

The land

I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, Genesis 26:4 (ESV)

The primary reason the land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people is because God says so.

Pray for your children

and they made life bitter for Isaac and Rebekah. Genesis 26:35 (ESV)

If our children walk in compromise, it will cause distress to our souls. We should pray that they follow the Lord with a whole heart

Matthew 19:1–20:16

Bring children to Jesus

but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14 (ESV)

We should seek to bring Children to Jesus and not allow ourselves to be a hindrance (because of indifference or compromise) to them seeing and coming to Him..

The way of the Master

And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” Matthew 19:17 (ESV)

The man asked Jesus what good deed he needed to do to be saved, Jesus answered by correcting his understanding of “good” and then brought in the law to bring conviction of sin. This is the foundation of “The Way of the Master”

The sin of idolatry

When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Matthew 19:22 (ESV)

Jesus challenges the man on the 1st and 2nd commandment, exposing his idolatry towards his material wealth, this idol was too dear to him for him to let it go.

The Apostles

Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. Matthew 19:28–29 (ESV)

The 12 apostles have a unique position as witnesses of Jesus, judges of Israel and writers of the New Testament.

The first will be last

But many who are first will be last, and the last first. Matthew 19:30 (ESV)

I found this comment helpful…“Those who approach God in childlike trust (vv. 13–15) will be received and advanced in the kingdom beyond those who, from the world’s perspective, enjoy prominence now”.

Carson, D. A. (1984). Matthew. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke (Vol. 8, p. 426). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.

We need God’s grace

And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them … Matthew 20:8–12 (ESV)

In God’s kingdom, we are all in need of and are recipients of God’s grace.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

The Answers in Genesis Kids site is great

Today’s reading: Gen 25:1–34, Matt 18:1–35, Eccles 5:12–20

Today’s theme: Depending on God

Today we learn that we should depend on God in humble obedience and submission to His loving care and plan for our life. Our culture hates the idea of having to depend on anyone because of the exalted status of the individual (individualism), but we are called to full dependence and trust in God in the same way our children depend on us.

Genesis 25:1–34

Depend on God

And Isaac prayed to the LORD for his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived. Genesis 25:21 (ESV)

We see two very good things here; firstly, the faith and dependence on God displayed by Isaac and secondly, his love, spiritual covering and care for his wife, as a godly husband.

Don’t sell out to the flesh

Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. Genesis 25:33–34 (ESV)

The lesson here is that we should not despise and sell our inheritance and rewards in Christ, to satisfy the cravings of our flesh.

God’s plan and our desires

Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. Genesis 25:34 (ESV)

God’s choice of Jacob over Esau was in God’s preordained plan but was also in line with the desires of the two brothers; one seeking the birthright whilst the other did not value it. There is no injustice in God’s plans, He is wise beyond our comprehension.

Matthew 18:1–35

Humility

Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:4 (ESV)

Genuine humility in both attitude and service, is the pathway to greatness in God’s kingdom. We should all want to be great in Gods eyes (humble, faithful servants).

Hell is eternal

And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. Matthew 18:8 (ESV)

Contrary to the teaching of Jehovah Witnesses and authors like Rob Bell, Jesus clearly taught that hell is eternal.

Be killing sin

And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire. Matthew 18:9 (ESV)

Jesus’ point here is not that we should mutilate our bodies, but He uses this picture to help us understand the extent to which we need to resist sin, kill the desire of the flesh, and pursue holiness. Like John Owen said “be killing sin, or sin be killing you”

God’s little ones

So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. Matthew 18:14 (ESV)

God will not sit passively and allow those He has lovingly elected and who believe in Him, to go astray permanently and perish. This is why God restores those who belong to Him. We should be grateful for God’s care, concern and faithful protection and patience with us, His little ones.

Show mercy and forgiveness

So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” Matthew 18:35 (ESV)

We do not earn God’s favour by showing mercy and granting forgiveness, however, if we do not show mercy and forgiveness then we cannot receive it. This is evidence that we are either going astray or we were never truly converted. We should pursue this “command” to show mercy and forgiveness every day.

Ecclesiastes 5:12–20

True treasure

This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind? Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger. Ecclesiastes 5:16–17 (ESV)

We should seek to leave a legacy for our children in this life but most importantly we should build true treasure in heaven.

Joy in God

For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart. Ecclesiastes 5:20 (ESV)

Thankfully we now know that the things of this world are not our entire lot, there is also eternal life in heaven. We should enjoy with hearts filled with gratefulness and joy, all that God has given to us in this life. We should find great pleasure in God, He should be our most precious treasure and we should have a richer sense of His blessings all around us and glorify Him for it all.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Ligonier devotions from Matthew 18

Today’s Reading: Gen 24:1–67, Matt 16:1–17:27, Eccles 5:8–11

Today’s Theme: Jesus the Rock

Today we see some really important lessons including God’s providence and care for His people. One of the most important things we see is the revelation of exactly who Jesus is and a confession of this fact. We also see Jesus function as the Rock and foundation upon which the true church is built.

Genesis 24:1–67

God’s providence

and said, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his steadfast love and his faithfulness toward my master. As for me, the LORD has led me in the way to the house of my master’s kinsmen.” Then the young woman ran and told her mother’s household about these things. Genesis 24:27–28 (ESV)

A great account of God’s providence that should strengthen our faith and lead us to worship.

Do not procrastinate

But he said to them, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master.” Genesis 24:56 (ESV)

In light of Gods providence and provision we should not procrastinate.

Matthew 16:1–17:27

Have high quality faith

An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed. Matthew 16:4 (ESV)

We should not need signs to believe God, we should have the high quality of faith that takes Him at his word. Faith that requires a sign or miracle in order to believe, is weaker, immature and in some cases, is not faith at all.

False teaching is dangerous

Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Matthew 16:12 (ESV)

Beware of false and erroneous teaching, it is dangerous and Jesus tells us to be aware of it and avoid it.

Who Jesus is

Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16 (ESV)

A definitive statement on who Jesus is. Pamela Suran taught us that using this full title of Jesus is very important.

Jesus is the Rock

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18 (ESV)

The ‘rock’ is not Peter but is the confession that Peter made saying; Jesus is “The Christ, the Son of the living God”, the core and principle doctrine for our faith.. Jesus was calling Himself the rock on which the church would be built.

Binding and loosing

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19 (ESV)

The amplified bible is useful here; as God’s people we declare what has already been done in heaven, we have authority because we confirm the work of the kingdom. We accomplish this binding and loosing most clearly by proclaiming the Gospel and living and praying in accordance to God’s will, revealed in His word.

Payment is coming

For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Matthew 16:27 (ESV)

Payment is coming, let’s work accordingly

The Trinity

He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” Matthew 17:5 (ESV)

The Father’s testimony and command concerning His Son, Jesus. This is further evidence of the nature of the Trinity. The Modalism of Oneness Pentecostals and others who say that there is no Trinity, but that it is God the Father changing form as Father, then as Son, then as Spirit, is wrong.

God’s provision

However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.” Matthew 17:27 (ESV)

This actually happened but is also symbolic of the supernatural provision God makes available for us.

Ecclesiastes 5:8–11

Enough

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? Ecclesiastes 5:10–11 (ESV)

We should ask God to search our hearts, it is easy to get caught up in the materialism and constant dissatisfaction of our age and culture. We need a renewed understanding of enough, contentment, gratitude and generosity, when it comes to money.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Tabletalk Magazine on Matthew 16

Today’s reading: Gen 21:22–23:20, Matt 15:1–39, Eccles 5:1–7

Today’s theme: Jesus the Lamb of God

Today we see one of the greatest Old Testament prophecies concerning Jesus as the Lamb of God. Isaac and the Ram both represent Jesus who died on the cross for us.

Genesis 21:22–23:20

Eternal God

Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God. Genesis 21:33 (ESV)

Our God (Father, Son and Spirit) had no beginning and will have no end, God is everlasting, what an awesome attribute which belongs to God alone.

Isaac points to Jesus

And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. Genesis 22:6 (ESV)

While this is a factual account, like much of the old testament we see a shadow here too. Isaac foreshadows Christ as the sacrifice for our sins and the wood for the sacrifice is in place of the cross Jesus bore.

The Lord provided himself as a lamb

So Abraham called the name of that place, “The LORD will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided.” Genesis 22:14 (ESV)

…. and the Lord did provide, on the same mountain Jesus was provided as the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for the many who would put their faith in him.

Matthew 15:1–39

God above tradition

he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. Matthew 15:6 (ESV)

All our traditions and cultural ways must be subject to the truth and authority of God’s word and not directly or subtly against it. Lord keep us from man centered thinking, help us to treasure you and your word above everything.

We need new hearts

For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.” Matthew 15:19–20 (ESV)

This is why we need new hearts through the regeneration of the Holy Spirit. We must be born again and then continually transformed by the renewing of our minds in Christ.

Ecclesiastes 5:1–7

Just say yes or no

Let not your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands? Ecclesiastes 5:6 (ESV)

This is why Jesus taught us that our communication should simply be a straight yes or no, we should not bind ourselves with vows that we may not be able to keep

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Ligonier resources on Matthew 15

Desiring God resources on Matthew 15

Today’s reading: Gen 19:30–21:21, Matt 13:44–14:36, Eccles 4:8–16

Today’s theme: With everything

Today we see that God is always in control as the sovereign ruler over all. There is a lesson in the parable about the pearl of great price, we should give our all to loving and serving God with everything.

Genesis 19:30–21:21

God is in control

Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you have done this in the integrity of your heart, and it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not let you touch her. Genesis 20:6 (ESV)

Even during Abraham’s lack of faith, God remained in sovereign control of the situation by keeping the king from sinning.

Matthew 13:44–14:36

Serve with everything

who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:46 (ESV)

As disciples of Jesus Christ we should serve God with everything, do not hold anything back.

The word received and shared

Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. Matthew 14:19–20 (ESV)

This is an amazing miracle, it is also a picture of how our leaders receive God’s word and pass it on to us, without this we would not be truly satisfied in God.

The deity of Christ

And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:33 (ESV)

A clear biblical account of the deity of Christ and Him receiving worship.

Ecclesiastes 4:8–16

Active fellowship

And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (ESV)

None of us should be isolated, we should all engage in active fellowship, agreement in prayer and work for the Lord.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

With Everything (Song)

Today’s reading: Gen 18:1–19:29, Matt 13:1–43, Eccles 4:1–7

Today’s theme: Be fruitful

We have lots of good lessons in today’s reading. We see evidence of the Trinity in the Old Testament (OT) as well as the life lesson that cowardly compromise will never end well for us. The most important lesson comes in the parable of the soils where Jesus exhorts us to be firm, steadfast and fruitful.

We should give God thanks for revealing the truth to us and helping our roots go down deep. This will enable us to persevere and actively bear fruit to God’s glory and our joy.

Set your mind to be fruitful this year.

Genesis 18:1–19:29

Jesus in the Old Testament

and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. Genesis 18:3 (ESV)

Abraham calls the leader Adonai. This is an Old Testament appearance of The Word, The Son, The Lord, later incarnated as Jesus The Christ.

This is what theologians call a theophany. It is when God appears in human form in the OT. This is a great point to raise when witnessing to Jews and others who honour the OT, to explain that Jesus is God, distinct from the Father and the Holy Spirit meaning that God is a trinity.

Don’t be a coward

Behold, I have two daughters who have not known any man. Let me bring them out to you, and do to them as you please. Only do nothing to these men, for they have come under the shelter of my roof.” Genesis 19:8 (ESV)

Lot was a cowardly man who sought to compromise with the evil men of Sodom by giving them his daughters.

Cowardly compromise and appeasement with the wicked will only come back to harm us. This was the case with Lot and his daughters. As a dad he should have been their guide, covering and protection.

Have faith in God

Behold, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one. Let me escape there—is it not a little one?—and my life will be saved!” Genesis 19:20 (ESV)

This is again indicative of the cowardice, fear, compromise and lack of faith in Lot’s life. We should not be like this but boldly follow the Lord all the way with lion hearts. We were encouraged to do this at the men’s prayer gathering yesterday evening.

Matthew 13:1–43

Praise God for revelation

And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. Matthew 13:11 (ESV)

We should not take the fact that we understand the gospel and the teaching of Jesus for granted. Our ability to know the truth is a gracious gift given to us by God as his elect. We should give thanks and praise to God!

Apply yourself to studying and living God’s word

When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. Matthew 13:19 (ESV)

This is why we should apply ourselves to reading and thinking about God’s word and giving thanks for our Pastors. They labour in the word and prayer so that we might understand the word and not be beaten by the enemy.

Be fruitful

As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” Matthew 13:23 (ESV)

Understanding the Word is so important if we want to be fruitful.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

The following articles are from Tabletalk magazine on Matthew 13
The Good Soil
The Thorns
The Wayside and the Rocks
Grace Alone

Today’s reading: Gen 16:1–17:27, Matt 12:1–50, Eccles 3:16–22

Today’s theme: God’s faithfulness

One of the things we see in today’s reading is God’s faithfulness to Abraham. He blesses Ishmael’s offspring in the Arab people and we see this right up to the present day It is no coincidence that they live in the oil rich areas of the earth and are so numerous. We also see God’s faithfulness in his promises to Abraham concerning his own offspring in the people of Israel where we can clearly see God’s blessing on them today.

Ultimately we see the faithfulness of God in Christ, the Messiah, the one who is greater than the temple and the worker of amazing miracles.

Genesis 16:1–17:27

Men, we have responsibilities

And Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my servant to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the LORD judge between you and me!” Genesis 16:5 (ESV)

Men we are responsible for what happens in our households before God. Even if we have listened to our wives or children on a matter the responsibility still lies with us as the head of our homes before God.

God’s faithfulness

The angel of the LORD also said to her, “I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.” Genesis 16:10 (ESV)

The offspring became the Arab people. They stand today as evidence of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling his word.

Abraham’s offspring

And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.” Genesis 17:7–8 (ESV)

This covenant God made with Abraham was twofold, in a literal sense this is the direct source of the people of Israel (Offspring) and their relationship to the land of Israel (Canaan). Believers in Jesus are also called Abraham’s offspring in the book of Romans.

Matthew 12:1–50

Jesus the true and greater temple

I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. Matthew 12:6 (ESV)

The temple was only an Old Testament foreshadow of Jesus.

Amazing miracles performed by Jesus

Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. Matthew 12:22 (ESV)

It is so easy to take accounts like this for granted. We should pause as we read this and stand in awe and worship of the amazing miracles performed by Jesus.

Watch your words

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36–37 (ESV)

We should be careful about what we say.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Look at the excellent and free Faithlife Study Bible

Today’s reading: Gen 14:1–15:21, Matt 11:1–30, Eccles 3:9–15

Today’s theme: Bold faith

An important lesson learned from Abram’s life is that we should have bold faith in God, in His Word and act on that faith in Jesus name. We have been chosen to receive the revelation of God’s truth so that we will take on the yoke of discipleship and live our lives with an eternal perspective, in bold faith, to the glory of God.

Genesis 14:1–15:21

Move with bold faith

And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. Genesis 14:15 (ESV)

This is quite amazing, Abram moved in active and confident faith in God. He was bold in pursuing this army which had recently defeated many peoples including slaying giants.

God, our defence and treasure

After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” Genesis 15:1 (ESV)

God is our defence, our great treasure and our reward. We should trust and rejoice in Him as such.

Trust God’s Word

And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:6 (ESV)

Like Abram we must put our trust in God’s Word

God’s promises are sure

And he brought him all these, cut them in half, and laid each half over against the other. But he did not cut the birds in half. Genesis 15:10 (ESV)

This was a common covenant made between men as partners in some business or enterprise at the time. God was saying here that He was very serious about keeping His promise to Abram, this should have filled Abram with assurance and strengthened his faith.

Matthew 11:1–30

Jesus, the Messiah

And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: Matthew 11:4 (ESV)

What Jesus did and said authenticated Him as the promised Messiah

Pray for the persecuted church

From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. Matthew 11:12 (ESV)

Since the days of John the Baptist, God’s Kingdom has suffered oppression and resistance by violent men. This should serve as a reminder for us to pray for those imprisoned for the Gospel. We should pray that they would not lose faith.

Chosen to receive revelation

All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Matthew 11:27 (ESV)

It is God’s gracious will for us as His elect to know the truth and it is only through Jesus choosing us that the Father is revealed to us so that we may know him. We should thank God that we have been elected by His grace.

The yoke of discipleship

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29 (ESV)

We should joyfully take on the yoke of discipleship under Jesus. In this we will find rest for our souls. All other efforts are futile and too heavy to bear (the weight of legalism or the slavery of open sin). Jesus is our gentle teacher.

Ecclesiastes 3:9–15

Eternity is real

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV)

God has given all men an inner knowing that life continues after death.

Life should be enjoyed, in God

also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man. Ecclesiastes 3:13 (ESV)

God has given us this life to enjoy with Him.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Violent Faith Glorifies God and Advances the Gospel

Lay Aside the Weight of Restless Work

Today’s reading: Gen 12:1–13:18, Matt 10:1–42, Eccles 3:1–8

Today’s theme: Fear God, not man

The theme from today’s reading is teaching us that we should not be governed by our fear of other men and the things we imagine they might say or do. Instead we should both fear and put our trust in God alone. We are called to boldly stand up for God in faith and treasure Him in our hearts above life itself.

Genesis 12:1–13:18

Do not let your thoughts be governed by fear

and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me, but they will let you live. Say you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared for your sake.” Genesis 12:12–13 (ESV)

This was all in Abram’s mind, he was fearful and thought the worst instead of trusting God in faith. We can learn from this that we should not try to figure everything out in our own minds in fear but should instead trust God in faith.

Matthew 10:1–42

Called to persevere

and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. Matthew 10:22–23 (ESV)

We are called to endure and persevere, God grants us the grace and strength we need to do this.

Fear God

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28 (ESV)

We should not fear man, instead we should fear God!

Stand up for God

So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 10:32–33 (ESV)

If God is taking care of the birds we know He will take care of us. We should stand up for Him and not fear man or be ashamed.

Treasure Jesus above all

Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:37–38 (ESV)

Jesus demands our allegiance and to have priority in our lives and affections. We need to examine our hearts and be sure we treasure Him more than anything or anyone else.

Ecclesiastes 3:1–8

Timing is important

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)

Lord help us to do the right thing at the right time.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Look at the Book is a great interactive look at a Bible passage – Have No Fear of Them