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Matthew 25 - Daily Bible Devotional Feb 07, 2025

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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.com
Matthew 25

Jesus tells three stories to drive home one crucial point: “Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.” Whether addressing Jerusalem’s destruction or the final day, this message is needful. Whenever Christ comes in judgment, we must be prepared. The first story is about ten virgins waiting to enter a wedding feast. The groom delays and the five who brought extra oil stay ready and enter in, while the five foolish virgins run out. The second parable describes three men given talents and time to develop them. The first two immediately gain more. The third man does nothing and is unprepared when the master returns. Lastly, Jesus describes the judgment day scene. Those who serve others are saved. And those who do not are lost.

The kingdom of heaven includes a unique kind of people. While many would take enough oil to get into an important event, disciples over-prepare to make sure they can wait patiently for the Master. The world may have talents and do just enough to keep from losing them. But kingdom citizens want to use the time they have to cultivate the Father’s gifts and return to Him as much profit as possible. The world may serve those who serve them and most look out for themselves. But those preparing for Christ’s return will fill their lives with serving fellow believers and all people in any way they can! Jesus is showing us who He will save. We must listen carefully.

Dear Lord, we are not worthy to be saved in the judgment. We are entirely dependent upon Your grace to be saved on the last day. But Father, we know You have called us to make a great effort to glorify You every day. Help us to get prepared and strive to stay ready. May we be driven to grow in our gifts and use the time we have to do more for You. And Father, make us servants of others. Help us remember that eternity will be decided by how we help those around us in need.

Thought Questions:

- Spiritually speaking, what does it mean to have your lamp burning and extra oil with you? How do you stay that prepared to see Jesus?

- What is a talent God has given you, and how are you presently developing it? What can you do immediately to help it grow for God?

- If eternity is determined by how you help fellow disciples in their time of need, how much time and effort should you devote to them?

Matthew 24 - Daily Bible Devotional Feb 06, 2025

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The temple in Jerusalem was the religious center of the Jewish faith. When Jesus walks out of it and states that it will be destroyed, this brings immediate questions from His disciples. He explains that the destruction is coming, but that there will be a lot of false claims and confusion about when and how it will happen. When He came in judgment on Jerusalem, which happened by Rome’s attack in 70 A.D., the believers knew to flee the city and escape desolation. It was important for Christians not to get distracted by false claims, and to stay ready to go. Jesus tells a parable about the difference between being prepared and being lazy. For them, it meant life and death. This will also be true in the final judgment on the last day.

It is debated among believers how much of this chapter is about Jerusalem’s first-century destruction and how much of it points to the final day of Christ’s coming. Verse 34 serves as an important guide: “…this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.” It is likely that all that comes before that verse pertains to judgment on Jerusalem and the need to be wise and prepared. But the later teachings: “Be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will” stands as powerful instruction for us today. If we think it will not happen soon, we can lose focus and become negligent. Always be ready for Jesus!

Loving, gracious, patient Father, thank you for bearing with us in our struggles and our efforts to grow in faith. If you lacked mercy, we would have all been destroyed ages ago. We pray that Your love will produce in us the desire to be servants of You. May we build our diligent obedience to You and not be distracted by false ideas about You and Your coming. We know You alone know when the judgment day will be. Help us to build hearts of urgency, readiness, and daily expectation for the return of Your glorious Son.

Thought Questions:

- Would you have believed Jesus if He said your city would soon be destroyed and you must be ready to leave? Do you carry that focus now?

- Jesus expected Daniel’s prophecy to be dominant in the disciples’ minds. Is Christ’s 1st-century promise to return a factor in your mind?

- How do you go about getting ready and staying ready to meet the Lord? Why is it important to always expect it could be today?

Matthew 23 - Daily Bible Devotional Feb 05, 2025

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In the final week before Christ’s crucifixion, He tells His disciples about the dangers of the scribes and Pharisees. After three years of patiently teaching these men, it is time to tell the world about them. Jesus first tells disciples to observe what the scribes teach if it is from God. But Christ warns them not to do what the Pharisees do. They seek to be noticed by men and to have places of honor because they lack humility. Jesus calls them hypocrites repeatedly, speaking about their lack of mercy and the underlying desire of their hearts to serve themselves. He addresses them openly and directly as “serpents”! And yet, as Jesus looks at them and all of Jerusalem, He is sorrowful that they will not repent and be gathered to Him and saved.

It is easy to read this chapter and think about other people. But it is wiser to use this list of the Pharisees’ failures as a test for our own lives. In Matthew 5, Jesus told His disciples their righteousness must exceed the Pharisees if they are to be in His kingdom. These men were self-righteous. Jesus calls us to be humble servants. They were hypocritical. Jesus asks us to live out our faith. They were legalistic. We must be led to obey from a God-like heart of mercy. They were superficial. We must be honest about what’s happening in our hearts. They became obstacles for others. We must live and speak to draw people to Christ.

Dear Father, we call upon Your help today, to be honest with ourselves and willing to evaluate our motives. Jesus taught so diligently to soften the hearts of the Pharisees, and they fought Him at every turn. Glorious Lord, help us to listen and to learn. May we be humble servants. Empower us to live out our faith with integrity. Build in us compassion and mercy for others. Will You create opportunities for us to help people and show them the way to Jesus? Most of all, reveal to us how much Jesus loves and yearns to save everyone.

Thought Questions:

- Will you do the hard thing today of looking for Pharisaical tendencies in your own life? How can this be incredibly healthy and needful?

- How would you define “legalism”? Can you see how some focus so intensely on the letter of the law that they miss the love that encircles it?

- What does it feel like to realize that Jesus is always yearning to gather you to Him, no matter what you have done? How will you respond?

Matthew 22 - Daily Bible Devotional Feb 04, 2025

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Jesus presents the parable of the wedding feast. A king holds a banquet for his son. They invite many who are unwilling to come. Many excuses are given. The king sends armies to destroy them! He then invites people off the street until the room is filled. One man comes unprepared and is sent out. “For many will be called, but few chosen.” This indicates that the kingdom requires responsiveness and faithfulness. The rest of the chapter consists of Jewish leaders trying to trap Jesus and diminish His influence. They ask about paying taxes. They ask about marriage in heaven. They question Him about the greatest law. On every occasion, He answers with integrity and righteousness. Jesus then asks them a single question about David and the Psalms, and they cannot answer Him.

Jesus’ question about David was a loaded one. They knew from prophecy the Messiah would be David’s son. And yet David refers to Him as Lord. How can that be? The answer is that Christ is eternal and divine. The Messiah is Jesus! We would do well to embrace that truth. Instead of questioning Him, we can learn from Him. His answers here about paying taxes, eternal life, and loving God first, are powerful truths in our lives. In the end, we must realize the Father is calling us all to the feast for His Son. We must choose to attend the feast, give proper homage to the Son, and be faithful to Him. The alternative is God’s wrath.

God of limitless might, we know You will execute judgment on those who reject Your Son. You have called and invited and opened the door, and judgment is coming for all who make excuses. Lord God, help us to cast away all doubt and every temptation to turn from Your Son. Give us the wisdom to hear Him. His teachings on difficult topics like taxes and government, marriage and eternity, and loving You and others are exactly the beautiful truths You have provided for our good. Strengthen us to not just be the called, but the chosen.

Thought Questions:

- Do you ever make excuses when called to obey God and honor His Son? Will you resolve to cast those aside and answer the invitations of God?

- You may be tested by questions like the Jews did with Jesus. Are you prepared to be like Him and always answer with humility and integrity?

- Do you believe Jesus when He said the greatest two commandments are to love God fully and love your neighbor? How do you show that?

The F.A.S.T.E.R. Scale Feb 03, 2025

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If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional,
you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.com
RECOVERY (What people in recovery look like.)
No current secrets; resolving problems; identifying fears and feelings; keeping commitments to meetings, prayer, family, church, people, goals, and self; being open; being honest; mak- ing eye contact; reaching out to others; increasing in relationships with God and others; accountability.
“F” = FORGET PRIORITIES (Denial; flight; a change in what’s important)
Secrets; bored; less time/energy for God, meetings, and church; avoiding support and ac- countability towards people; superficial conversations; sarcasm; isolating yourself; changes in goals; flirting; obsessed with relationships; breaking promises/commitments; neglecting family;
“A” = ANXIETY (Getting energy from emotions.)
Worry; using profanity; being fearful; being resentful; replaying old, negative thoughts; per- fectionism; judging others’ motives; making goals and lists you can’t complete; poor planning; mind reading; fantasy; masturbation; pornography; co-dependent rescuing; sleep problems; trouble concentrating; seeking/creating drama; gossip;
“S” = SPEEDING UP (Out-running depression.)
Super busy; workaholic; can’t relax; driving too fast; avoiding slowing down; feeling driven; in a hurry; can’t turn off thoughts; skipping meals; binge eating (usually at night); overspend- ing; can’t identify own feelings/needs; repetitive, negative thoughts; irritable; making excuses for ”having to do it all”; dramatic mood swings; lust;
“T” = TICKED-OFF (Getting high on anger; aggression.)
Procrastination causing crises in money, work, or relationships; sarcasm; black and white, all or nothing thinking; feeling alone; feeling that no one understands; overreacting; road rage; constant resentments; pushing others away; increased isolation; blaming; self pity; arguing; irrationality, can’t handle criticism; defensive;
“E” = EXHAUSTED (Out of gas; depression.)
Depressed; panicked; confused; hopeless; sleeping too much or too little; can’t cope; over- whelmed; crying for “no reason”; can’t think; forgetful; pessimistic; helpless; tired; numb; wanting to run; constant cravings for old coping behaviors; thinking of using drugs and alcohol; seeking out old unhealthy people and places; really isolated; people are angry with you; self-abuse; suicidal thoughts
“R” = RELAPSE

Returning to the place you swore you would never go again. Giving up; giving in; out of control; lost in your addiction; lying to yourself and others; feeling you just can’t manage without your coping behavior, at least for now. The result is usually shame, condemnation, guilt, and aloneness.

Matthew 21 - Daily Bible Devotional Feb 03, 2025

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Jesus makes His final trip to Jerusalem before His death. He is honored and praised by many as He fulfills prophecy by riding in on a colt. Jesus goes into the temple and upsets the Jewish leaders by overturning the money tables and healing the lame and blind. The next day the leaders question Him, but they are silenced by His wisdom. He goes on to tell them two parables. The first is about two sons, one of whom said he would do good and then did not do it. This was an indictment of these chief priests and scribes. The second story is about vine growers who decide to kill the owner’s son to seize his inheritance. This is a prophecy of what the Jews are planning to do to God’s Son.

The contrast in this chapter is striking. So many followers worship Jesus as He enters the city. He heals many in the temple and they rejoice in Him. They believe in Him, and they will enjoy life in His kingdom. At the same time, the men in the temple are disrespecting the Father and have a fervent hatred for the Son. They question Him and seek to accuse Him. This same Jesus invokes two very different reactions. Sadly, Jesus knows they will not repent. He tells parables and quotes Scripture to indicate that the kingdom will be removed from them. Christ would be a rock of foundation for some and would crush others. They made their choice. Have you?

All powerful God, Creator, and Sustainer, thank you for sending Jesus to be our Savior and King. His message is strong and demanding. But Father, He is also the source of all grace and peace. So many in this world fight His teaching and seek to eliminate Him and seize their inheritance. Great God, may we forever forsake a life apart from Jesus. Help us to always stand upon the Rock and never be crushed by it. Father, will you lead us today to tell someone about the two paths of life and show them and teach them to choose Jesus?

Thought Questions:

- If you were alive in Jesus’ day, would you have laid your coat on the road and praised Him as He entered? How can that spirit be shown today?

- Jesus said His disciples could move mountains “if you have faith and do not doubt.” How can your prayer life show God you believe that?

- How can you avoid a hard heart that sees the evidence but simply will not believe it? Has Jesus convinced you of His Lordship?

Matthew 20 - Daily Bible Devotional Jan 31, 2025

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“So the last shall be first, and the first last.” Jesus explains this teaching with a parable. Workers are hired throughout the day, each agreeing to a day’s wage. At the end of the day, every worker is paid the same amount. Those who were there first were angry. The point here is about God’s willingness to save anyone, and our need to be humble and grateful. The disciples struggled with this at times. Later in this chapter, even after Jesus describes His coming death, the mother of James and John asks for her sons to have exalted positions. All the disciples get upset with this. Jesus informs them that the kingdom is about service, mercy, and selflessness. Jesus then demonstrates this by healing two blind men who begged for help.

Those who pridefully yearn to be first in the kingdom may miss it altogether. If Jesus had been that way, He would not have died for us, and we would be lost. The parable of the workers is designed to humble the Jews because many would later be upset by Gentiles being added to the kingdom. But it is also important for us. Maybe we are like the disciples, hoping to be rewarded for our labor. If our focus is on ourselves and what we deserve, then we miss the whole point of the kingdom. We might miss that compassion for others and service to others, even those who come after us, is what Christ and His kingdom are all about.

Kind and caring heavenly Father, thank You for being so patient with us. We sometimes get caught up in our accomplishments and our efforts and can lose sight of the fact that we are saved only by Your grace. Give us humble hearts to be grateful to be in Your vineyard and to never compare ourselves to others. Your Son died for each one of us. He took the low place to raise us up. Give us hearts and opportunities to do the same for someone in need today in honor of our humble Savior.

Thought Questions:

- If you had worked all day, would you accept latecomers getting paid the same as you? How does this parable challenge you to check your heart?

- What does this phrase look like in your life, your home, and your relationships: “Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant”?

- If Jesus can stop mid-mission and heal two blind men out of compassion, how might you be able to do something like that today?

Matthew 19 - Daily Bible Devotional Jan 30, 2025

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The Pharisees again seek to test and discredit Jesus. Here they ask Him about divorce: “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all”? Jesus answers by going straight to God’s word in the beginning. He then explains that the kingdom of heaven will be open to those who treasure marriage in a holy and righteous way. Following this, a rich man comes to ask about eternal life. While he is willing to keep the law, the man is not willing to give up his riches. Jesus responds by saying that it will be very hard for the rich to enter heaven. Jesus gives powerful instruction: treasure your spouse and be charitable with your money! For those who do such, they will inherit eternal life.

The greatest impact of this chapter is the dual concepts of marriage and money. Both still dominate the landscape of life today. They each have the potential to be very good for us and to honor God. But they have also been abused and twisted to dishonor God’s will. Jesus’ teaching on marriage goes back to the very beginning when God united a man and woman for life. May we always enter and continue in marriage with that goal in mind. Money, on the other hand, is often kept selfishly when it should be given to help others. The rich need to hear Christ’s call to generosity. Those who sacrifice to honor His teachings will reap blessings now and eternally.

Wonderful Creator, give us the humility to live Your way, even when it is difficult. Your Son has beautifully answered life’s most challenging questions and we pray for ears to hear. Please help us to approach marriage in a way that honors You. We pray for committed hearts, even in challenging situations, so far as it depends on us. And Lord, as rich and prosperous people, we pray for help in being generous and kingdom focused. Give us strength to trust in You, and to demonstrate that trust in our homes, with our wallets, and in every possible way.

Thought Questions:

- How is the new law of Christ more difficult than the law of Moses? Is it easier to fight for a marriage or to divorce your spouse and leave?

- What are ways you can show God’s love in your marriage? And among the world, how do you show a charitable heart to others in need?

- If you make great personal sacrifices to honor the will of Christ, what will be the rewards you can enjoy now, and what is coming later?

Matthew 18 - Daily Bible Devotional Jan 29, 2025

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If the previous chapter called for greater faith, then today’s content serves as a potent way to develop it. The chapter opens with Jesus teaching humility to His disciples by having a child come sit on His knee. He instructs them to do whatever it takes to avoid causing such little ones to stumble. They are of tremendous value to God. Christ instructs disciples to go to great lengths to restore those who are caught in sin. Sinners should be disciplined if they continue in sin, but disciples will need forgiving hearts for restoration efforts to work. To help with this, Jesus tells a parable of a man forgiven nearly infinite debt, but who will not forgive his brother of much less. Judgment is swift upon such a one.

Growing in our trust in Jesus can be cultivated by embracing four words: humble, careful, useful, and merciful. Four sections in this chapter illuminate each one. To be like a child is to be dependent on Christ, leaning upon Him for all we need. Be humble. But we also must see our fellow believers as God’s children. God will respond dramatically if we hurt His little ones. Be careful. Sometimes disciples get caught in sin and need help seeing their way out. We are called to go to them. Be useful. This means limitless forgiveness and compassion for others, as we reflect on God’s patience in our lives. Be merciful. In these four ways, we honor our Savior.

Gracious Lord, we praise You for Your qualities that bring us great hope. You are humble, serving when You have the right to be served. You are careful, and patiently help us develop. You are useful, in that You never stop trying to draw us close and help us turn to You. And You are incredibly merciful and forgiving, restoring us every time we make a request. Thank You for Your incredible goodness. Today, will You help us and encourage us to demonstrate these same qualities toward others? May we do so to others to show gratitude to You.

Thought Questions:

- What does it mean for you to be “converted and become like children”? Why do you think the kingdom requires people like this?

- How do you balance the need to be careful with others with the command of Jesus to go show fault to a brother in sin? How can you do both?

- Why did the man seize his neighbor who owed him little, even though he had been forgiven so much? What do we learn from this?

Matthew 17 - Daily Bible Devotional Jan 28, 2025

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Jesus takes His closest three disciples on a high mountain and is transfigured right before their eyes. Peter, James, and John are amazed at Jesus’ face shining like the sun. The Father then speaks and says, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” Following this incredible event, Matthew records something unfortunate. A boy has a demon that the disciples cannot cast out. Jesus is frustrated at their unbelief, stating this as the reason they fail to help the boy. Jesus strongly advises prayer and fasting! Faith would be crucial very soon, as Jesus again describes that He must die and be raised on the third day. The chapter ends with Jesus casually fetching poll-tax money from a fish’s mouth, indicating how little such things are of concern to Him.

We have every reason to believe in the power of Christ. He is God’s Son and is testified as such by the Father Himself. We must live by faith in Him. This does not mean we always understand everything about Him. The disciples had questions about what to do on the mountain and the significance of Elijah’s appearance. A lack of understanding is not a lack of faith. But later, the disciples did not trust in Christ’s power to cast out demons through them, and Jesus was extremely upset by their doubt. They needed more prayer and fasting to fortify their trust, especially with great trials coming. We may not always understand, but we must always believe!

Glorious Father of Light, thank You for announcing and proving the name of Jesus. By Your proclamation, and by Jesus’ miracles and life, we believe! Help our unbelief, wherever it may be found. Father, will you hear our questions and continue to be patient with our lack of understanding? We pray this will not be counted as a lack of faith. But Lord, strengthen us to never doubt what Christ can do with us, around us, and through us. Help us to do great things in the name of the One who died and was raised again.

Thought Questions:

- What would it have been like to see Jesus shine as the Father spoke of Him from heaven? What does it look like to live today as if you had seen it?

- How would prayer and fasting have made all the difference in the disciples being able to cast out demons? What can those practices do for you?

- If Jesus casually paid poll taxes even though He had every right not to, what does that teach us about where our focus and attention should be?

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