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 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?

Day 9 Matthew 8:1-4 He covers his face. He is supposed to be in quarantine. He is supposed to be separate, away from sight. Away with others like him, marked with a disease no one understands and everyone fears.  How long has he been living this measured death, this steady rotting of flesh once held … Continue reading Reach