Matthew 14-15 questions

Poland, Mielno, church, stained glass - Transf...

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The questions below can be used to stimulate thought about each block of reading:

Passage Lookup

Matthew 14:1-21
What resources do the disciples have? What have you received from God to minister to others?

Matthew 14:22-36
To what extent is God with you in your circumstances even though physically separated? What powers does Jesus have?

Passage Lookup

Matthew 15:1-20
What relationship between knowledge, response and God’s judgment do you see in Jesus’ dealings with the Pharisees? Define defile. Relate verse 11 with verses 2 and 8. How does Jesus amplify this with his disciples?

Matthew 15:21-39
What is Jesus’ understanding of his earthly role in God’s plan? What can you learn from these verses about compassion, humility, and faith?

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Matthew 13:36-58

Passage Lookup

The Scriptures are like treasure worth more than anything we can think of and Jesus Christ is a Pearl of great price. Each day is like a treasure hunt; reading scriptures for diamonds, being reminded of golden lessons, and discovering new observations from the pearls of God. These treasures assure momentum to a successful day.

List any videos you are reminded of as you read this passage. Here is a link to one for this reading: Brand New Song by the Gaither Vocal Band.  My hope is that you will be moved by this video and that it inspires you as you spend this day with God. Today could be the day and there is always something to look forward to. Each day, hunt for songs that inspire and give momentum to a successful day.

I pray today for memories of old experiences, old lessons, and new observations. I pray for understanding of the value of heaven and that with Christ is happiness now and forever.

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Matthew 13:24-35

Passage Lookup

We are taught from the parables in the passage today that anyone who accepts a life with Christ should expect a gradual progression in spiritual growth. My Pastor Steve Ramsdell, said in a sermon that we can be all God wants us to be and blessed with a great future if we receive the help God gives. He has given us Jesus to follow, the Word as a map, and the Spirit to Guide.

Today, I’m inquiring: Am I growing in grace?  Am I growing in holy principles and habits? The battle is difficult because harmful habits like weeds easily grow to limit potential yet one good seed can change a life. Plant it in a soul, give it water, and it will take over to yield abundance. If you need some inspirational seeds today, check out the sermons now available in video at this link: Sermon Podcast.

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Matthew 13:1-23

Image of the Sower Parable

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Passage Lookup

The parable of the sower gives a lesson about wanting Spiritual treasures from God and not worldly treasure. Accepting Christ as Savior is the ultimate spiritual treasure and we can prepare our hearts for acceptance of this treasure by storing up thoughts from the Bible or from sermons. These thoughts can be used for personal use or shared with others but are vital for preparing souls for absorbing spiritual nourishment.

In the book “Ordering Your Private World” by Gordon MacDonald, this idea was touched on again and the suggestion was put forth to develop a series of codes (keywords or tags) that help organize your thoughts and ideas. As you think, read, watch movies, or talk with people, document by organizing according to these keywords.

I’m taking time in prayer today to thank God for His patience and faithfulness in preparing my soul for acceptance of His spiritual treasures and His ultimate treasure of Christ as my Savior.  Today, I’m going to try focusing every physical and mental resource; open my mind and pay close attention to the people I meet and the things I read. I will spend some time remembering the experiences I’ve gone through and making it a point to listening to what God is telling me.

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Matthew 13 questions

reading the gospel of matthew

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Passage Lookup

Make use of the questions below as you study each passage:

Matthew 13:1-23
In what ways has your heart been prepared to receive God’s words? What are the disciples seeing and hearing? What care do you take to help others get their roots in?

Matthew 13:24-35
What else besides type of soil causes a poor crop? What attitudes or habits are like weeds in your own life?

Matthew 13:36-58
What will be the place of the sons in the Father’s kingdom? How much do you value the kingdom of heaven?

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