Friday Morning: 27 Sep 2019 – Matthew 15:1-28 ~ teach me, wisdom in the secret heart

Friday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Almighty God, whose beloved Son first suffered pain and crucifixion before entering into glory: Mercifully grant that we, walking in his footsteps, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 15:1-28 (NLT)

Jesus Teaches about Inner Purity

Some Pharisees and teachers of religious law now arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. They asked him, “Why do your disciples disobey our age-old tradition? For they ignore our tradition of ceremonial hand washing before they eat.”

Jesus replied, “And why do you, by your traditions, violate the direct commandments of God? For instance, God says, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.’ In this way, you say they don’t need to honor their parents. And so you cancel the word of God for the sake of your own tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote,

‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’”

Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “Listen,” he said, “and try to understand. It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.”

Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you realize you offended the Pharisees by what you just said?”

Jesus replied, “Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be uprooted, so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person guides another, they will both fall into a ditch.”

Then Peter said to Jesus, “Explain to us the parable that says people aren’t defiled by what they eat.”

“Don’t you understand yet?” Jesus asked. “Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer. But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you.”

The Faith of a Gentile Woman

Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.”

But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.”

Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.”

But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!”

Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”

She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”

“Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.
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Morning Reflection:

teach me, wisdom in the secret heart

“The words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you.
– Matthew 1:18 –

In today’s reading, Jesus was speaking of ceremonial, or ritual, defilement – making the point that eating certain foods does not make one unclean. His point was that to God what proceeds from the heart is more important than what enters the mouth. Motives and attitudes are more significant than food and drink.

That shouldn’t be a new thought to us since we know that God looks at our hearts rather than outward appearances. Why then do we get so caught up in outward appearances – trusting in the blind guides of our time to tell us what to think, feel, and do? Simply put, I think it’s because it’s easier – to go along to get along in our religious communities. It’s hard work examining the inner workings and motivations of our own hearts – especially when the gold standard is the heart of Jesus.

We are tough nuts to crack because – human beings have an infinite capacity for self-deception.

On the one hand, the human heart is incurably religious; on the other hand the human heart is incurably evil apart from the grace and mercy of God.

Questions for consideration

Jesus identified these defiling (evil) thoughts as coming from our hearts – murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. Do any of these apply to you? Please explain.
Jesus also quoted Isaiah, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce.” Have you ever gone through the motions of worship while your heart and mind was somewhere else? Please explain.
Where do you need God’s healing, cleansing, and forgiveness in your secret heart? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: – For a Virtuous Heart (Thomas Aquinas)

Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy thought can drag down; an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose can tempt aside. Bestow upon me understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and faithfulness that finally may embrace you. Amen.

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Psalm 51 (Wisdom in the Secret Heart) -Shane & Shane

Behold I was brought forth in iniquity
and in sin did my mother conceive me
Behold you delight in the truth and the inward me
and you teach me, wisdom in the secret heart

My sin is not far but right in front of me
against you and you alone God I am guilty
Wash me thoroughly cleanse me from iniquity
and teach me, wisdom in the secret heart

Create in me a clean heart, oh God
Renew a right spirit within me, oh God
Cast me not away from Your presence
take not Your Holy Spirit
restore in me the joy of Your salvation
and teach me, wisdom in the secret heart

Send me the chief of sinners to proclaim
come be forgiven the sin of the lamb of God was slain
Open my lips and my mouth will declare your endless praise
and teach me, wisdom in the secret heart

The Lord is gracious
and slow to anger
Rich in love, He is good to all
good to all

Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Thursday Morning: 26 Sep 2019 – Matthew 14:22-36 ~ “Don’t be afraid. Take courage, I am here!”

Thursday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Guidance – Thursday)

Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: Guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our lives we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 14:22-36 (NLT)

Jesus Walks on Water

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.

Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

“Yes, come,” Jesus said.

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.
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Morning Reflection:

“Don’t be afraid. Take courage, I am here!”

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him.
“You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
– Matthew 14:31 –

Jesus’ response to the disciples’ fear centered on, “I am here!” The disciples could take courage because Jesus was there. The words, “I am,” were a term Jesus used to claim deity.

On one hand, the disciples feared drowning because of the ferocity of the storm. On the other hand, Peter feared drowning because he climbed out of the boat. But in both cases the message is the same – “Don’t be afraid, I am here!” – Jesus stills the storm, and hauls Peter back into the boat.

Courage comes from knowing that Jesus – the One who is “I am” is present.

Questions for consideration:

What sort of storms have you experienced in your life? What was your greatest fear when you were caught up in the middle of it? Please explain.
How did Jesus see you through it? Did you experience his encouraging presence in the midst of it? Please explain.
Are you currently experiencing a storm in your life, or is there a storm on your horizon? What do you need Jesus to do for you? Do you believe that he will? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer – For Times of Suffering or Weakness

Dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: I hold up all my weakness to your strength, my failure to your faithfulness, my sinfulness to your perfection, my loneliness to your compassion, my little pains to your great agony on the Cross. I pray that you will cleanse me, strengthen me, guide me, so that in all ways my life may be lived as you would have it lived, without cowardice and for you alone. Show me how to live in true humility, true contrition, and true love. Amen.
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“Be Not Afraid” – John Michael Talbot
(Video clips from the 1998 movie The Prince of Egypt)

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Closing:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Wednesday Morning: 25 Sep 2019 – Matthew 14:1-21 ~ “You feed them.”

Wednesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Grace – Wednesday)

O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 14:1-21 (NLT)

The Death of John the Baptist

When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus, he said to his advisers, “This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead! That is why he can do such miracles.”

For Herod had arrested and imprisoned John as a favor to his wife Herodias (the former wife of Herod’s brother Philip). John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry her.” Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet.

But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias’s daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him, so he promised with a vow to give her anything she wanted. At her mother’s urging, the girl said, “I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!” Then the king regretted what he had said; but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders. So John was beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. Later, John’s disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened.

Jesus Feeds Five Thousand

As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.”

But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.”

“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered.

“Bring them here,” he said. Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!
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Morning Reflection:

But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.”
– Matthew 14:16 –

Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand reminds us of our personal inadequacies and His all-sufficiency of resources to meet the needs at hand. And sometimes it takes a miraculous intervention to fulfill God’s will and purpose for us.

In context, this sign was significant to three groups –

+ the disciples – confidence in Jesus’ ability to supply all their needs.
+ the believing remnant – confirmation of their faith in Jesus Messiah.
+ the unbelieving crowds – continued rejection of Jesus in spite of his mighty works.

Questions for consideration:

What do you think was Jesus’ primary mission – to feed the physically hungry, the spiritually hungry, or both? Please explain.
Do you think it is easier to feed the physically hungry, or the spiritually hungry? Please explain.
Can you think of an example when Jesus has met your needs in a miraculous way? Please explain.
Can you think of examples when people were physically fed by Christians, but remained unbelievers? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: For the Bread of Life.

Feed us now, Lord Jesus, as you fed your first disciples.

Feed us with that soul-food which nurtures enough love within us to outstrip the fears and enmity that ties the world up in knots.
Feed us with that spiritual bread which strengthens our hands for serving those broken and lost people whom this world deems a waste of space.
Feed us, so that we may be fulfilled with some of that joy which the universe cannot contain.

Heal and transform us now; we hunger and thirst for your abundant life.

We bring you our sorrow and ask for the bread of joy.
we bring you our despair and ask for the bread of hope.
we bring you our weariness and ask for the bread of inspiration.

Meet us here;we need the bread of heaven to sustain us as we journey to find our way, that we may we be one with you. In your name we pray. Amen.
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“I am the Bread of Life ” – BBC Songs of Praise

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Closing:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Tuesday Morning: 24 Sep 2019 – Matthew 13:44-58 ~ the problem of unbelief

Tuesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening (A Collect for Peace – Tuesday)

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 13:44-58 (NLT)

Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!

Parable of the Fishing Net

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind. When the net was full, they dragged it up onto the shore, sat down, and sorted the good fish into crates, but threw the bad ones away. That is the way it will be at the end of the world. The angels will come and separate the wicked people from the righteous, throwing the wicked into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Do you understand all these things?”

“Yes,” they said, “we do.”

Then he added, “Every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old.”

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

When Jesus had finished telling these stories and illustrations, he left that part of the country. He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, “Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?” Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?” And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.

Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.” And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.
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Morning Reflection:

The Problem of Unbelief

And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.
– Matthew13:58 –

The essential problem of unbelief is that it devalues Jesus and his Kingdom. Today’s Kingdom parables and Jesus’ visit to Nazareth are illustrative.

+ The Treasure and Pearl – both make the point that the Kingdom of God is so valuable that the seeker is willing to look everywhere and sell everything in order to participate in it. But how many of us are actually eager to sacrifice everything – to pay any price – to join Jesus in the advance of his Kingdom? Why not? Because unbelief devalues the worth of his person and the Kingdom that he so freely offers.

+ The Fishing Net – makes the point of separation and accountability on the day of judgement. – the good and righteous will receive their promised Kingdom inheritance while the bad and wicked will be destroyed.

What distinguishes the two? – Unbelief.
_The good understand the unparalleled value and worth of Jesus and his Kingdom; they find their satisfaction (highest joy) in him and are willing to make the daily sacrifice of obedience, of delayed gratification, in order to receive their promised inheritance.
_The bad devalue Jesus and his promises to find their satisfaction in the things of this life – money, sex and power – they want it now, and have bought into the lie that the one who dies with the most toys wins. They are tragically mistaken.

+ Nazareth – The unbelief of Jesus’ family and neighbors in his home town is a devaluation of his worth from another perspective – familiarity. They were so used to seeing him in the context of everyday life that they couldn’t appreciate the wonder of his person and the worth of his coming Kingdom. In essence, he was hidden from them in plain sight. The result was that their unbelief prevented them from participation in the signs and wonders of the Kingdom. Familiarity devalued Jesus’ person and his Kingdom.

Questions for consideration:

Do you believe that a relationship with Jesus Christ and citizenship in his Kingdom is your most precious possession? Please explain?
What has following Jesus cost you? What have you sacrificed? Has it been worth it? Please explain.
Can you think of ways that unbelief has affected your relationship with Jesus? Please explain.
Can you think of ways that familiarity has led to unbelief in your life? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: Prayer – For Satisfaction in Christ (Julian of Norwich)

O God, of your goodness, give me yourself, for you are enough for me. I can ask for nothing less that is completely to your honor, and if I do ask anything less, I shall always be in want. Only in you I have all. Amen.

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“Seek First” – Housefires

Peace that passes, my understanding
Love that conquers, my fear and regret
Joy unending, eternal pleasure
In your presence, my risen King

I will seek first, Your kingdom
I will seek first, Your righteousness
Everything I need, You will provide for me
My heart is to seek first, Your kingdom

You’re all I really want
You’re all I really need
Father every breath I’ve got
You have given it to me
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Closing:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Monday Morning: 23 Sep 2019 – Matthew 13:24-43 ~ the good and evil living among us

Monday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening – A Collect for the Renewal of Life (Monday)

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Morning Reading – Matthew 13:24-43 (NLT)

Parable of the Wheat and Weeds

Here is another story Jesus told: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away. When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew.

“The farmer’s workers went to him and said, ‘Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?’

“‘An enemy has done this!’ the farmer exclaimed.

“‘Should we pull out the weeds?’ they asked.

“‘No,’ he replied, ‘you’ll uproot the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.’”

Parable of the Mustard Seed

Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”

Parable of the Yeast

Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”

Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables. This fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet:

“I will speak to you in parables. I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world.”

Parable of the Wheat and Weeds Explained

Then, leaving the crowds outside, Jesus went into the house. His disciples said, “Please explain to us the story of the weeds in the field.”

“Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the world. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will remove from his Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!
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Morning Reflection:

the good and evil living among us

Jesus replied, “The Son of Man is the farmer who plants the good seed. The field is the world,
and the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one.
The enemy who planted the weeds among the wheat is the devil.
The harvest is the end of the world, and the harvesters are the angels.
“Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the world.
The Son of Man will send his angels,
and they will remove from his Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil.
And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom.
Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!
– Matthew 13:37-43 –

The parable of the wheat and tares is a description of that which professes to be Christian within world. Sadly, within the church itself, the devil has set evil people among those who are good to undo and choke out the life giving work of Jesus in our lives. It takes a while for the good and evil among us to be revealed, but eventually they can be identified by their fruit.

Nevertheless, it’s not our job to sort them out – In this present age good and evil people will coexist; but on the day of judgement Kingdom righteousness will prevail and God will judge sin swiftly.

Questions for consideration:

Have you ever encountered what you considered to be evil people in your church or denomination? What damage did they do? Please explain.
In Jesus’ parable he reminds us that good and evil people will coexist within a church. How do you feel about participating in such a church? Please explain.
What dangers do you see in attempting to remove people you consider evil, instead of letting God sort it out? How does proper church discipline come into play? Please explain./li>

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Morning Prayer: For the Universal Church (William Laud)

Gracious Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Savior. Amen.

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“The Church’s One Foundation” -Aurelia