January 1:  Revelation 21 – I love that we are reading this chapter on the first day of 2009. It is one of the most exciting chapters in all the Bible. It talks about the eternal kingdom where we will experience the New Jerusalem and the New Earth that God is preparing for us? What stands out to you in this chapter? How does it encourage you? “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (verse 4) I always love reading that verse at a funeral. There is the assurance that all the challenges and difficulty and sadness that we have experienced in this life will be completely wiped away. What does your imagination do with the message that there will be no more pain in heaven? How does this shape your understanding of heaven? What excites you about the heavenly city?

January 2:   Revelation 22 -These words are a crescendo to the whole Book of Revelation. We have the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last. We have the cry for Jesus to come again. He is the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star. Jesus is everything we would ever want or need. “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”(verse 16) What do you love about Jesus? How do you envision him at the right hand of God? What is an exalted Jesus like to you?

January 3:  Matthew 1 – We are in a study of the Book of Matthew and I want you to read through it for the remainder of this month. As you read each chapter, write down a verse that stands out to you and what it means to you and how you want to apply it to your life. I won’t give as much explanation to this book. I will be preaching on it for several months but I want you to have this foundation with reflective thoughts on what God might be saying to you through each chapter. What do you take with you from chapter one and what do you want to apply to your life?

January 4:  Matthew 2 – What stands out to you? Which verse is most important to you? What do you want to apply to your life?

January 5:  Matthew 3 -What about John the Baptist gets your attention? How is his life an example to you? What do you want to apply to your life?

January 6:  Matthew 4 – You can’t miss this part about Jesus being in the desert. What does that say to you? How would you apply it to your life? Which verse stands out to you? What is God saying to you through this chapter?

January 7:  Matthew 5 – This is a very inspiring chapter. It would be hard to single out one spiritual thought that would be over and above the others. I am drawn to the beatitudes, but what are you drawn to? What part catches your attention? When did your heart begin to beat faster as you were reading? How would you want to apply it to your life?

January 8:  Matthew 6 – We are in the Sermon on the Mount and you will read the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus teaches about money and how not to worry. I would say “not to worry”is the part that catches my attention. “Do not worry about tomorrow.” (verse 34) Which part impresses you? How do you want to apply it to your life?

January 9: Matthew 7 -We are culminating the Sermon on the Mount and reading about building your house on a solid foundation. Which verse is most compelling to you? How is the Lord speaking to you through it?

January 10:  Matthew 8 – Jesus jumps into action with miracles, signs and wonders. Which miracle is most intriguing to you? How does it help you to know that Jesus still does miracles today? What kind of miracle do you need?

January 11:  Matthew 9 – Which story pulls you in? Why? How do you want to apply it to your life?

I hope you are with me as we begin the New Year by reading a chapter in the Bible every day. Reading the Word of God is good in and of itself, but of course we are wanting to “let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly.”Taking in the Word of God has the potential of shaping our hearts and transforming our lives. The Holy Spirit uses God’s Word to correct and direct us. A theme verse is found in II Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” I challenge you to seek the Lord through his Word, even as you commit to read a chapter a day and apply it to your life.

January 12:  Matthew 10 – What stands out to you from this chapter? How is the Lord speaking to you through these verses? “These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, preach this message: “The kingdom of heaven is near.”‘”(vv. 5-7) Why would Jesus tell the disciples to focus on the Jews first? The liberation of the Jews through the Gospel of Jesus Christ was the launch pad for reaching the world. So it is in the church. We, as God’s people, are mobilized first to make a difference. How strong are we as God’s ambassadors? Why must we believe first? How has the Lord commissioned us to be sent out?

January 13:  Matthew 11 – What stands out to you from this chapter? How does God’s Word encourage you today? “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (verse 28) If Jesus had a focal point in his ministry, it would be to the broken. Those that thought they had it all together and were puffed up with knowledge did not get Jesus’ attention. Those that knew their need would receive grace from the Lord. Why does Jesus invite the broken and weary? Why does the Lord focus on the underdog? How does that affect your life?

January 14:  Matthew 12 – Of the stories presented in this chapter, which one gets your attention? Why? “But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”verse 28) They accused Jesus of being empowered by Satan, but Jesus was all about the kingdom work and he demonstrated through the power of God with marvelous, liberating miracles that only God could do. How does it encourage you to know that Jesus has complete power and authority over Satan? How can you lean on his power today to live more victoriously?

January 15:  Matthew 13 – This is a chapter of parables. Which parable gets your attention the most? Why? I am drawn to the first parable of the four soils. Not only is this parable taught by Jesus, but then it is also explained by Jesus. Not everyone will embrace the Word of truth given by Jesus. “When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.”verse 19) The four types of soil represent different responses to God’s message. How is the soil of your heart? How has God’ Word taken root in your life? How does this parable challenge you; encourage you?

January 16:  Matthew 14 – This includes three important stories from the life of Christ. Which story gets your attention? Why are you drawn to this event? What does it teach you? “Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” (vv. 29 & 30) Peter’ response was courageous. He shows a reckless abandon for what the Lord can do. But he took his eyes off Jesus. What does this teach you about walking by faith? Why is Jesus always the focus to spiritual success?

January 17:  Matthew 15 – What does this chapter tell you about Jesus? As you see him interact with different people, what impresses you about the Lord? “Then Jesus answered, ‘Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.’ And her daughter was healed from that very hour.”(verse 28) Faith is always central to our Christian life. Hebrews says that without faith it is impossible to please God. This woman’s faith was honored by the Lord and a miracle was done on her behalf. How strong is your faith? Why is the Christian life a walk of faith and not sight?

January 18:  Matthew 16 – We have arrived at one of my favorite chapters because it includes the part about Peter’s confession. Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (verse 16) This profession of faith would be the foundation of Christianity. Jesus is the Messiah, the one sent from God. The church would be built on the rock of Jesus Christ. How is he your rock? How would you answer the question, “Who do you say that I am?” At New Harvest we have this motto, “Because of Jesus” is that your motto as well? Why or why not?

I hope you are enjoying the reading of the Gospel of Matthew as much as I am. It is so good to be reminded of the life of Christ. Right now there are two dimensions of Christ’s life that we are reading about most – miracles and message. Jesus is demonstrating the power of God and he is also teaching the truth of God. Sometimes people need to see God’s presence at work before they will listen to the message of God’s truth. I think that is still true today. You will have opportunity to see more of these two ministries of Jesus, but possibly now we will be looking more at his teaching because he has firmly presented himself as the Son of God. The people would now be ready to listen.

January 19:  Matthew 17 – Which part of this chapter catches your attention? Why? How do you want to apply it to your life? “There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.”(verse 2) I like this part of the story because it gives me a sense of heaven. Moses and Elijah are present and they are real people in the story, along with the supernatural quality of Jesus Christ. Heaven will be like that. What does this teach you about heaven? Why did this event happen? How does it encourage you?

January 20:  Matthew 18 -What teaching gets your attention? How might you apply it to your life? “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother back.” (verse 15) How many times has it been when I have had the gracious courage to talk to someone about the tension in a relationship that speaking the truth in love made all the difference?! This practical teaching from Jesus challenges us to keep short accounts in our relationships. If going one on one doesn’t work, then he gives direction on how to proceed by getting the helpful involvement of someone else. Why is it important to go to the person first? What do we have the tendency to do? Why is this principle so important in the life of the church; in your family; within marriage?

January 21:  Matthew 19 – Which part of this chapter gets your attention? Why? What do you think the Lord is saying to you through it? Today is my parent’s 55^th anniversary. I bring that up because Jesus emphasizes marriage in the first 12 verses of this chapter. I am proud of them because they have shown a commitment to each other in the highs and lows of life and marriage. “So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (verse 6) The permanency of marriage is clearly portrayed in the Bible. Only the hurtfulness of sin and the selfishness of mankind have destroyed God’s intent for marriage. Why does God put such a high value on marriage? Why is it best for marriage to be a lifelong relationship? What does this teach you about marriage?

January 22:  Matthew 20 – What impresses you most about this chapter? Why do you think God has brought it to your attention? “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”(verse 21) The mother of James and John wanted the best for her sons. She thought they were the greatest sons on the face of the earth. They were the ones that should be at Jesus’ side. How is this contrary to God’s perspective? What does it mean, “The last will be first and the first will be last.” Why is the servant the greatest of all?

January 23:  Matthew 21 – Jesus enters Jerusalem. What story catches your attention? What impresses you about it? “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (verse 9) Of course I would emphasize this song of affirmation about Jesus and who he really is. As Jesus entered Jerusalem there was praise and affirmation. Jesus was a prophet like no other. Why is praising the Lord so important? Why does Jesus deserve our praise?

January 24:  Matthew 22 – Jesus is speaking to the religious leaders. What does he say to them? What catches your attention? Why? “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (verse 21) This is one of the most powerful statements that Jesus could ever have said. With wisdom he tells them that they should pay taxes and they should also give themselves to the Lord. It’s almost like Jesus is saying give the taxes owed to Caesar because his image is on the coin and give your self to God because God’s image in imprinted on you. How do you give yourself to God? What about your life is the Lord’s? What does that mean?

January 25:  Matthew 23 – Of the warnings found in this chapter, which one convicts you? Why? “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!” (verse 13) Being a hypocrite is from the Greek word for actor – to pretend that something is real when it is not. Jesus was very strong in his confrontation to the religious leaders. He exposed their pretense. Would there be anything in your life that you might be doing that would be to look good but not genuine on the inside? Give yourself opportunity to be real honest with God about the integrity of your faith.

January 26:  Matthew 24 – I was thinking about how I am going to enjoy preaching on this chapter. This is the most inclusive chapter about Jesus’ second coming in all the Gospels. Matthew presents us with a progressive look of what will take place when Jesus returns. What impresses you about this chapter? What do you take away with you so that you might live more courageously for Christ? “At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.”(verse 30) This clearly presents the fact that some would have rejected Jesus and will be separated from him forever. There is no other reason for mourning. Some believe that everyone is going to get to heaven one way or another, but it’s clear here again that some people will realize that they have chosen wrong and missed the opportunity to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. What is exciting about the end times according to this chapter? What is scary about the end times? How does this chapter speak to you about living for Christ day to day as the end nears?

January 27:  Matthew 25 - This chapter is also on the theme of Christ’s return. It talks about being ready for Jesus’ return. There are three parables that are very well-known. Which parable catches your eye? Why? “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (verse 21) Can there be any more exciting words in the scripture for the follower of Christ than these – the anticipation of being face to face with Jesus knowing that you served him well? Sometimes we need to look at life with the end in mind. I am motivated to live for Christ because one day I will be with him forever. How are you living in light of eternity? Why is that so important?

January 28:  Matthew 26 – These words begin the story of the Passion. The Passion of Christ is known as his arrest, trial, mockery, and crucifixion. In this long chapter which event stands out to you? Why does it impress you? I am drawn to Jesus in the garden. “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”(verse 39) I can relate to Jesus as he struggles with God’s will. But the power of his submitting to the will of the Father even if it means death challenges me the most. Prayer and obedience before the Father are the hardest parts of Christian discipline. How are you doing? How is your prayer life and your walk of obedience for Christ?

January 29:  Matthew 27 – Another long chapter around the events of Jesus’ persecution and crucifixion. What stands out to you? Why? How do you want to apply it to your life? “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (verse 46) You probably know that this is associated with Jesus taking on the sins of the world. Spiritually, Jesus was separated from the Father as he took the sins of the world upon himself. His response makes total sense. How are you grateful for Jesus’ willingness to pay your penalty? Why is this the most precious part of the Gospel?

January 30:  Matthew 28 – This shorter chapter is about the wonderful resurrection. The resurrection seals the truth that Jesus is the Son of God and that he has acquired eternal life for you and me. As I Corinthians 15 says, he has been victorious over death. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”(verse 19) The Great Commission is the call from Jesus in response to all the great things he has done for us. He wants us to spread the news. How are you doing that? How are you a worker in the harvest field?

January 31:  I Samuel 1 – Get ready for a long season of studying the history of Israel that highlights the kings and the prophets. We will read about Samuel. David, Solomon, Elijah and more. The text does not water down the sins of the people in that day. But there is also opportunity for us to see the examples of God’s people as they live life for him. What catches your attention in this chapter. Why is it important to you? “I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.” (vv 27 & 28) Hannah was so blessed by God that she would have a son that in gratitude she gives him back to the Lord’s service. Hannah is really our strongest example of what it means to dedicate your children to the Lord. How are your children a gift from God? Have you dedicated them to the Lord? What does that mean to you?