Matthew 10 & 11

The Bible takes an interesting turn when Jesus sends out his disciples. In chapter 11 Jesus prays about his relationship with The Father. He says that they fully know one another and only those whom the Son chooses knows the Father. So the Father is displayed in the Son...I gotta say this is amazing. I felt this the first time I began to read the Bible in 2010. The more I got to know Jesus, the more I feel in love with God. Okay back to the disciples. My bible reads that Jesus sent out the disciples with minimal provisions because he didn't want people to associate the good news with a get rich quick scheme. I love that in chapter 11 the prayer states the the most marvelous mystery of God has been reveals to the common/poor. Although it might be easier to skip over, there are some unsettling remarks in these two chapters. Specifically the persecution in chapter 10 and the condemnation of the cities in chapter 11. Laced into these tough passages is a promise that Heaven is a real place that Jesus will bring you into and peoples response to the disciples is also a response to Him and furthermore to God the Father! Does that carry some weight or what? I certainly don't feel like a carry an invitation of that importance when I talk about the gospel...yet that is what Jesus disciples were doing. They were the first evangelists. Out of time tonight but here is my quick prayer: Lord, the trinity is overwhelming. Count me among the lowly and those in need of understanding. You have such amazing power and you chose to bring about your salvation in such an unexpected way. I submit that you did give hints the old testament but Lord you rocked the world with your teaching. You teaching is important I pray that you would help me humbly invite others to follow you. Not to get rich, but to find life...a live full of love and joy and purpose because that is why you made us and YOU ARE GOOD. Strengthen your church and raise up leaders and harvesters! Amen

Matt 8 and 9

Jesus is performing miracles with his words and touch. I imagine that the crowd is diverse and energetic, Jesus was the most exciting entertainment they could find. I mean the man says some controversial things that offend the most influential people. Following Jesus was having a front row seat to the most dramatic happenings of the day. On a serious note, I am amazed by Jesus patience. In fact patience is an understatment. An all knowing God performs miracles and precieves the heart felt faith of the people around him. He touches those who are untouchable and eats with those who the general public disgusts. People flock to him and those closest to him don't always "get it". In these chapters one thing that stood out to me was the event when Jesus casts the demons into the pigs. It hit me that these pigs were likely someones livlihood. How would i respond if Jesus cast out demons into something valuable in my life and was ruined? Recently I have been struggling with tiredness, I mean Jesus didn't take naps and the man woke up early to met with the Lord! Even as I write this I am reminded of the gift of the Holy SPirit. THe disciples, the crowds, and the Pharisees just didn't get Jesus...and I have a piece of him living inside of me. Okay I AM TIRED. Jesus did the work. I love the end of Chp. 9 v. 35-38 "whatever crowds came to HIm,, He had 'compassion for them because they were so deeply distraught, malaised, and heart broken." Notice he didn't say they attended the most prestegious schools, and were well-groomed and had proper nutrition. He saw our brokenness and met us in it. More than that he died to save a back stabbing people who used him and threw him away. God is not a god to be controlled by man, but He is master of all and sovereign over all things. So Jesus says "ask the Lord of the harvest to send more workers into his harvest." My prayer: Jesus, help me to follow you but not compare myself to you. You are unlimited, but chose to limit yourself so that you could fulfill God's promise. You are perfect and I ask for your strength to work for your harvest. Will those who see you as enertainment see you for who you really are, Jesus the Son of God. Although you no longer walk this earth you have sent the Helper, bring me to a place where I must rely on him daily and trust that you will equip me, and my brother and sisters to do you work. Lastly I request that you give me a heart to use this blog 3x a week to get to know you better and on a more consistent basis. I love you Lord. Amen