Day 24 Matthew 11:20-30 The cities did not repent. You did Your mightiest works there. You brought the kingdom right among them, and still they did not receive it. What hardness must live in the hearts of man to see the things You did, hear Your words, and have You among them day after day, … Continue reading A Prayer
Day 23 Matthew 11:1-19 I believed. I believed, Jesus, and I gave everything. I followed the anointed path and went willingly into the wilderness. I called for repentance, and they came. They came and came, and I worked for You. Jesus, You know what I gave. What I suffered. I spoke bold words and made … Continue reading Backwards Kingdom
Days 20-22 Matthew 10 Would that we would see this world as You do. That looking upon our people would fill us with compassion and compel us to go. To heal, to cleanse, to love, to give without expectations. Would that we would hear You clearly showing us the way, that we would follow with open … Continue reading Would that We Would
Days 18 & 19 Matthew 9:18-38 A day’s work: You are teaching and a man arrives to beg You to come and raise his daughter. “Yes,” You say, and along the way, even as You are pressed by the throng, a woman, full of shame at her condition but also driven by faith, touches the … Continue reading A Day’s Work
Day 17 Matthew 9:14-17 What did you expect? Did you really think I would build My kingdom on those old traditions that leave you full of longing? This is what you have seen: storms stilled sickness vanished demons defeated sins forgiven sinners welcomed. I did not come to patch up your worn-out weariness. I came … Continue reading A New Thing
Day 16 Matthew 9:9-13 He didn’t have to tell me who I was. We both knew it. I wasn’t trying to hide it. He caught me in the act, after all, walking up to my booth like that. I knew who He was too; who didn’t? Everyone had heard of Jesus. So when I saw … Continue reading Take That, Church People
Day 15 Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26 I didn’t want them to do it. I know I should have been grateful, but that day I felt only anger as they once again carried me somewhere I did not want to go, giving me no choice in the matter. Even as I lay immobile, my … Continue reading The Real Paralysis
Days 13 & 14 Matthew 8:28-34 Sometimes, when Jesus comes to you with the hope of His kingdom, He comes unexpectedly, without announcement, and He starts in on the things that terrify you most. Like maybe you have a horrible situation on the edge of your life, something you have shoved away and refused to … Continue reading Stop Staring at Your Pigs (They’re Dead)
Day 12 Matthew 8:23-27 I followed You willingly into the boat. Didn’t think much of it when You fell asleep. You’d been working hard, after all. If I’d known that storm was coming, well, I would have talked all of us into staying safely on land. After all, I’m a fisherman. I know storms. One … Continue reading How to Sleep in All Circumstances
Day 11 Matthew 8:18-22 Hey, Jesus! You’re so great, Jesus, just look at these crowds! I’ll follow you anywhere, Lord. Yes, anywhere! Let’s go. I’m ready. That sermon, Lord, just wow! Out of this world! And all those sick people, healed! Yes, I want to be part of this thing. Where to next? Oh, there? … Continue reading Count the Cost?
View from the Valley 