Day 39 The Lord’s Prayer Matt 6: 9-15, 11:25,26; Luke 11: 2-4

Guided reflection:

Jesus just said in yesterday’s reading that we are not to recite empty words or phrases… yet we repeat the same words every Sunday – why?  I think this prayer is a formula… and our praying it in worship is our pact with God that we want to pray like Jesus did… but then we need to just do it:  

Guided prayer – conversation with God – be honest, come clean like Jesus says:

“Loving God: Do I speak your name like it is holy?   Do I really want your will in my house like Jesus wants it?    Do I have what I need for today – am I thankful or worrying about tomorrow?

Do I have things that need forgiveness- things that stand in the way between me and you, God?

Are there people in my life with whom I have unfinished business – can I at least be open to consider forgiving them?  Am I enjoying my temptations… or do I want God’s help in facing them?  Where do I need to be delivered from evil?  What is in my power to resist? … Now, we’re talking, God!  Amen!”

Day 33 Jesus on Divorce Matt 5:31-21; Matt 19:9; Mark 10:11-12, Luke 16:18

Guided reflection:

Jesus’ words in this passage kept me in a dysfunctional marriage for 21 years.  My heart still breaks to know that I made choices that felt healthy and the best for my soul… yet mark me in this scripture.

I believe Jesus wants us to know that marriage is an important value and the way we treat others, particularly our spouses, is not to be taken lightly.  I wish I had a testimony of a blessed and healthy and fulfilling marriage for 35 years, but instead I have a testimony of how I found God’s grace in my brokenness; and how I tried to be as loving and respectful as I could be as I gently laid aside my bonds of marriage but maintained my connection to my Ex as a brother in Christ.  I needed God’s grace and found it … so today, reflect on your relationships, your choices, your family members… and pray for God to heal our marriages and make us whole.

Guided Prayer

“O God, we pray for those caught in painful marriages.  May your love grant them wisdom and insight as they wrestle with how to be whole and healthy.   Grant your forgiveness to those who have sinned.  Amen”

Day 32 Jesus on Adultery Matthew 5:27-30 (Also consider 18:8-9; Mark 9:43-48)

Jesus knows our human weaknesses and challenges us to consider how to discipline ourselves

Guided reflection:

1. Jesus knows that sexual sins begin in our minds and hearts… then become actions. Do you know when you are being tempted?  What do you do?
2. Jesus wants folks to know that we must regulate ourselves – even if it means going blind to not look at someone in a lustful manner… what personal safe guards do you have for your temptations – where or when are you most vulnerable?  What can you do to keep from sin?

Guided Prayer:

“Loving God, you know my weakness – help me be honest about my own vulnerabilities.  Grant me wisdom to come up with a plan of actions that will keep me pure in your sight.  (Make a list with God on how to protect yourself from pitfalls)  Amen” 

Day 31 Jesus on Murder Matthew 5:21-26

Remember chapters 5 – 7 are “the Sermon on the Mount”… so we continue to look at the essence of Jesus’ teaching.

Guided reflection:

1.   The LAW says do not kill… but Jesus fulfills the law with “but I say, if you are angry with, insult, or call someone a fool… it is the same thing!”    How are you living out this?  Anyone of God’s children make you angry… are you insulting… call names?   

2.    Next time the offering plate comes around for you to give your gifts to God, consider Jesus’ words – before you bless God with an offering, make things right with others.

3.  Look at Matt 12:57-59… Jesus’ continued words on taking folks to court…

Guided Prayer:

“Forgiving God,  these words make us cringe when we know our tempers, our ability to sling insults and call people names… it is almost a sport on TV… forgive us for following the example of the world instead of following the words of Jesus.  Today, help me forgive ________ (Make a list of those who come to mind when you read this scripture) Amen.”

Day 30 Jesus and the Law Matt 5:17-20

Right here, Jesus puts the scribes and Pharisees on notice… the way they perceive and thus live out the law is not at all what Jesus wants from us.

Guided reflections:

1. If we would look at the end of Jesus earthly life, you will see that the conflict Jesus sets up with these few verses ends at the cross.  Jesus is not a new teaching, but a fulfillment of the law.  Jesus respects the Law of God.
2. Vs 18 gives me the hint that the accomplishment of the fulfillment of the law is a continuing activity of God… what do you think that means?
3. Can you remember the 10 commandments (Look at Exodus 20 as a reminder) – how do we try to “relax” these laws.  If we do, what has been the consequence?

Guided Prayer:

“Loving God, your laws are for our own good but it is our human nature to buck the law. Jesus brought life and meaning to the old Laws… Jesus promises abundant life that comes from submission to your word.  Do in me what you need to do to bring me to life abundantly. Amen”

Day 29 Salt and Light Matt 5: 13-16 Luke 14:33, 34,35

Guided reflections:

1. What was/is salt used for?  What does Jesus mean we are “the salt of the earth”…is our life to bring flavor to our world?  How can you be salt?
2. Verse 14 has been quoted throughout history… we are the light of the world, let our light shine… remember in church how we bring in the light and then the acolytes take the light out again at the end of the service – THIS is the verse that illustrates that tradition.
3. How is your light shining?  Do people see your good works and thus see Christ in you?

Guided prayer:

“Light of the world, ignite in me such a fire that all who meet me will see the light in my eyes and in my actions.   May all that I do today give glory to you, O God!  Amen” 

Day 28 The Beatitudes Matt 5: 3-12 Luke 6:20-23

Make sure you use the Matthew reading today.   This might be a good scripture to memorize. Teach these to your children and your children’s children!  These “beatitudes” pit Jesus’ way of looking at things in opposition to what is our earthly way of thinking.

1. As you read each verse, make three lists – one with what Jesus calls “blessed” and the other list include why Jesus sees this as blessed, and the third list of how the world usually sees someone with the first list’s attitudes. 
2. Robert Schuller called these the “BEAttitudes” because our attitude affects how we act.  Look at your 1st list – on a scale of 1-10, one being not so good and 10 being great, give yourself a grade on how you are doing with your “Be Attitudes!”

Guided prayer:

“O dear God, no wonder my life is not as blessed as I would hope – my attitudes toward others are far from Jesus’ dream for me – instead of showing mercy, I want revenge.  Instead of seeing persecution as a blessing, I want to get even.  Help me to understand that Jesus way of doing and being makes the world look upside down!  Help me to be more like Jesus.  Amen” 

Day 27 The Sermon On the Mount – the introduction Matt. 5: 1-2; Luke 6:12, 20

Today we begin to explore the wonderful passages of Matthew 5-7 in what is known as “The Sermon on the Mount”.  Only Matthew lays this out as though it is one sermon.  Many scholars believe that the writer of Matthew uses these three chapters to provide the essence of Jesus’ teaching.  If we are doing this Bible Reading System to learn what Jesus taught, then these next 25 days contain the core of Jesus’ philosophy and practical insight for us as Disciples.

Guided reflection:

1. Today, get your heart ready for “aha!” moments over the next few weeks.  Imagine you are on the side of a mountain, near the Sea of Galilee, a grassy hillside where the gentle breeze carries the words of Jesus like a microphone.   Place yourself inside the story.
2. The Luke scripture tells us that Jesus, once again, went to the mountain to get away to pray… and was interrupted and began to teach.   You are ready to be taught by the Master… maybe today we need to just prepare to hear insights from our Savior.

Guided Prayer:

“Dear Truth, as I anticipate being a student with Jesus on the hillside, clear my mind and heart of things that would hinder me from not only hearing but living out what I am to be taught.  Open the eyes of my heart, Lord.  Amen”

Day 26 The Big Catch! Luke 5: 1-11

This reading might be the same story as Day 20, but only Luke includes this WOW fishing story as Peter, James and John’s call to be a disciple.

Guided reflections:

1. When the crowds started pushing Jesus, he saw the boats there and turned them into an opportunity to get ‘ole Peter’s attention.   This stranger just sits down in his boat and starts teaching – what was Peter to do, but listen!  Have you ever had an encounter that changed your life?
2. Notice Jesus’ way to “hook” Peter into discipleship – wow him with what Peter knew about… fishing.  Fishermen love to tell big catch stories!  Put yourself in Peter’s boat for a moment.  Fishing with the “Jesus factor” changes things!
3. Jesus called Peter into an expanded life - not just fish for fish for fish for people!  How is Christ calling you into an expanded life?

Guided prayer:

“Awesome God,  just like Peter, I think I have done all I can in my life… but what would my life be if I added the “Jesus factor” to my life – how do you want to show me your blessing and call on my life?  Make my heart open, Amen.”   (Spend some time thinking about this prayer…)

Day 25 A Preaching Journey in Galilee Matt 4:23-25, Mark 1:39; 3:7,8,10; Luke 4: 44; 6:17-19

Jesus begins his teaching ministry by meeting people at their point of need – their illnesses, their pain.

Guided reflections:

1. Jesus wanted to preach about His Kingdom… but he also wanted them whole.  I have heard it said: “People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.”  If we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus, how can we meet people at their point of need?
2. How can Jesus meet you at your point of need?   In our community, how can our church reach people at their point of need – what are the needs of our community?

Guided Prayer:

“All wise and knowing God, here is my need _____ (name).  Help me to see the needs of my loved ones so I can be Christ’s hands and feet for them.  Open my eyes to see life from their point of view.  Amen.”  Spend a few minutes and list your family members and what they need from you at this time in their life – more understanding, forgiveness, hope, resources, your presence?