Today’s reading: Gen 28:1–29:35, Matt 21:23–22:22, Eccles 7:1–5

Today’s theme: Fruitful Priest’s

We are called to live fruitful lives as God’s priest’s, messengers and ambassadors here on earth, representing His kingdom. When we consider the fact that we all only have a certain amount of time to live (each of us will die one day), we will live our lives in a productive and fruitful way each day.

Genesis 28:1–29:35

Jesus, the only way

And behold, the LORD stood above it and said, “I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Genesis 28:13–14 (ESV)

God affirms His promise concerning the land and the people, to Jacob, just like He had done to Isaac and Abraham. The vision of the ladder also points to Jesus who is the only way to God.

God is active

Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Genesis 28:15 (ESV)

God doesn’t just see the future, He actively brings His will to pass. This truth should fill us with hope and faith in Him.

Praise the Lord

And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” Therefore she called his name Judah. Then she ceased bearing. Genesis 29:35 (ESV)

God blessed Leah with four sons. When each one was born she hoped that her relationship with Jacob would improve, but with the forth son her focus was no longer on her reluctant husband but on the Lord and she praises God for remembering and blessing her despite man’s hate and indifference.

Matthew 21:23–22:22

Be obedient

And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. Matthew 21:30 (ESV)

Agreeing with God verbally and mentally means nothing if we do not obey Him

Be a fruitful priest to God

Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. Matthew 21:43 (ESV)

Jesus is dealing with the religious leaders in Israel at this point, who failed to produce fruit for God. This marks the end of the Jewish leaders’ role in mediating God’s authority as His priests, this then became the responsibility of every believer in Christ, both Jew and Gentile. We must seek to have fruitful lives that bring God pleasure.

Tell everyone

Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ Matthew 22:9 (ESV)

The call to salvation is to all, we should tell everyone.

The chosen

For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14 (ESV)

Many are invited but as in the parable, many refuse to come, while others try to come on their own terms and do not truly submit to God and His kingdom, proving themselves to be false converts and are rejected like the man in the parable. Those who remain at the wedding are the chosen.

Ecclesiastes 7:1–5

We all die

It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. Ecclesiastes 7:2 (ESV)

One day each of us will die. We should not bury our heads in the sand as if this will never happen… it will. We must take note and live our lives in light of that reality, we should leave a good name behind us.

Use time wisely

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. Ecclesiastes 7:4 (ESV)

The wise are conscious of death, while the foolish think only of temporal pleasures. The wisdom of acknowledging death will teach us to number our days, use our time wisely and avoid sin.

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

Additional resources

Wisdom Through Suffering

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