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Matthew 8 - Daily Bible Devotional Jan 15, 2025

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Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

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 8

Matthew’s gospel has a purposeful structure to build out the authority of Jesus. Chapters 1-4 tell the story of Jesus in prophecy. Chapters 5-7 are filled with Jesus’ life-changing teachings. Now, in chapters 8-9, the focus is placed squarely on miracles. In today’s short chapter, we are gifted the following stories: the healing of the leper, the healing of the Centurion’s servant, the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, the calming of the sea of Galilee, and the demons cast into the swine. This list forms a dynamic way of showing the power of Jesus over all things. Upon closer examination, it shows He can heal the body, He has authority over space and time, He overpowers the spiritual forces of darkness, and even the natural world obeys His mighty will.

Where can we go to escape the jurisdiction of Jesus? And why would we even try? These stories give us tremendous confidence in how Christ can benefit our lives. As a man was burdened with decay through leprosy, so are we with physical sickness and spiritual death. Jesus, filled with compassion, promises to heal us of spiritual disease, and often helps with our physical needs! Jesus casting out demons reminds us that He is mightier than Satan and his workers. Without Christ’s power and presence, we would be helpless in the spiritual warfare beyond our sight as well as the daily storms of life. Jesus alone has the might to protect us. May we put our faith and trust in Him.

Oh Great God of majesty, may we take a moment today and be in awe of Your limitless power over all things. Thank you for demonstrating Your might through Jesus Christ. The natural world, the spiritual world, the human body, and the soul, are all subject to the glory and ability of Jesus. May our faith never limit the display of His power. Father, the storms of life often distract us. Help us to never give in to fear, but to turn to our Savior and call upon His presence to calm the storm and hold us close.

Thought Questions:

- What will happen if you approach Jesus with your sins like the leper in today’s chapter? How does Jesus respond to such humility?

- How far does the authority of Jesus reach? Is there any request you can make in faith that will be too much for Jesus? Go for it!

- If Jesus controls the storms and the demons, two things outside of you and beyond your control, how should that affect how you pray today?

Matthew 7 - Daily Bible Devotional Jan 14, 2025

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Jesus concludes His timeless sermon by challenging disciples to think properly about judgment. Judging others sometimes drifts into God’s side of things. And many times people are judging from a place of deception about themselves. In other words, they do not see things clearly, and their judgment is clouded. Jesus tells His disciples to examine themselves and pray fervently for God to help them, to give them clarity, and to make them who they need to be. Perhaps from that place, one can weigh the deeds of another. Few are willing to be so humble. And few will be saved. Many will be like the false prophets in their motives. But not Jesus’ disciples. They will hear Christ and seek to obey Him and be like Him in all they do.

Passing judgment on others is a temptation we all face. Sometimes it is done in sincerity and with their best interest at heart. But all too often it may say more about our shortcomings as the one judging. Always be humble. Always start by looking to yourself and follow that closely with a prayer to God. Ask God for clarity, wisdom, and help to love others by doing what is right toward them. Determine what to do to others by what you would have them do to you. In the end, look for proper fruit in yourself and them. Hear Jesus and do God’s will, and you will be on a solid foundation in every situation, in both calm and storm.

Holy heavenly Father, all praise to You for your kindness and patience in how you judge Your servants. Thank You for always being near us, for hearing our prayers, and for giving us good gifts. Dear Lord, empower us to bear good fruit in Your honor. We know this means doing Your will and being more like Jesus. We ask for help in doing that, especially when it comes to treating others with patience and mercy. In every season, in sunshine or storm, we will put our trust in You and stand upon the foundation of Your Son.

Thought Questions:

- What does “do not judge” mean to you? Are you careful to treat people the same way you would have them treat you?

- Are you turning to God in prayer to ask for wisdom before addressing others? Can we bear good fruit without God’s daily and personal help?

- Will you act on the will of Jesus today? What is one thing from the sermon on the mount that you can stand upon to face life’s daily storms?

Your Weekly Cadence Jan 13, 2025

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Days, Week, Years - These are the best metrics for progress. Living in day tight increments are the building blocks for a better life. Daily routines and habits that help with incremental change can become impactful and measurable in a year's time. So years are awesome time frames for seeing what is possible and whether something should become a life habit. But there needs to be a cyclical flow throughout, a cadence to keep things moving. The seven day week is perfect for the job. Starting on a day of worship and fellowship and rest, flowing through the grind of the work week, and ending with a wild card day to catch up or relax... embracing the layout of the week has become a powerful change agent for me. Let's explore how to make the weeks for you instead of just slipping by.
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
Sponsors:
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
Phone: 205-326-7364
Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487

Matthew 6 - Daily Bible Devotional Jan 13, 2025

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As the sermon on the mount continues, Jesus explains that righteousness is not just about what we do, but also why we do it. To illustrate, Jesus uses three examples: giving, praying, and fasting. Charity is a staple in the disciple’s life, but it must be for God and others, not ourselves. Prayer is a powerful testimony of faith, but it must be about fellowship with God, not the praise of others. Fasting is about focusing on God, not impressing others. This is all about treasure in heaven with God, not this earth. Jesus’ disciples are not worried about the things of this life because they live for heaven. They trust in God, live for Him, and know that He will take care of them if they seek Him above all else.

Jesus touches on sensitive topics in this chapter: giving to the poor, praying faithfully, and fasting from things to give attention to God. These are all challenges in our busy lives. How can we grow in them? Start from a place of love for God and others, and then be thankful for these outlets of praise. Carry that heart into the area of money and worry as well. These have choked out the word in many lives. We cannot serve God and money. We cannot live in anxiety and be courageous in Christ. Put His kingdom first, pray continually, and allow the Spirit to mold you, practicing righteousness from the heart, one day at a time. Do not worry about tomorrow.

Righteous God, teach us to yearn to serve You daily. Help us to give to others as You bountifully give to us. Humble us to pray privately, grateful that You listen. Strengthen us to fast from earthly things, so we can show You are first in our lives. May we live to store up eternal treasures. Thank you for Christ’s spiritual victory, so we know that life is more than money and possessions and that there is no reason to worry over earthly things. We will seek You first and cast aside worry and fear in Jesus’ name.

Thought Questions:

- Why do you do righteous things? From charity work to prayer to fasting, how should that be centrally about God and your love for Him?

- How does “the Lord’s Prayer” place you in the right state of mind to take on the day in faith? What piece of it means the most to you today?

- Are God’s people different when it comes to the allure of wealth and the worries of an uncertain world? How? What sustains us in all of that?

Matthew 5 - Daily Bible Devotional Jan 10, 2025

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Early in Jesus’ ministry, He sits on a mountainside and gathers His disciples. In perhaps the most powerful sermon of all time, He explains to them the qualities of kingdom citizens. His kingdom would include people who lived differently from the world. Those differences would be seeded in the heart. To show this, Jesus begins with what we call “the Beatitudes.” Qualities like humility, gentleness, and internal hunger for righteousness would define His people. Such hearts would explode into lives of great light for Christ, become salt upon the earth, and show righteousness that far surpasses the Jewish leaders of their day. Faithfulness would be as much about what you feel toward others as how you end up treating them, even enemies! Jesus is teaching that faithfulness begins with love.

The sermon on the mount is incredibly valuable for believers. We must think and feel differently than this world, especially in the face of trials. We live so that Christ’s light shines through us, beginning deep within our hearts. We do not murder, but we also do not gossip. We do not commit adultery, but we also do not lust in our hearts. We do not retaliate, but we also seek to serve others. In many ways, the disciples of Jesus were counterculture, and continue to be today. Our first step of faith in God is to deny self. God loves all men and seeks to save them, and we should feel the same and be workers in His Son’s kingdom.

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to come to this earth and show us Your character and heart. As Jesus taught us of His nature, we pray to take on His heart as our own. Lord, help us to be humble, to be gentle, to be pure in heart, and peacemakers. Give us opportunities to shine, even if that requires us to walk by faith in places of darkness. Give us the desire to do good to others out of love for You and for them, even our enemies. Please perfect us in Your love.

Thought Questions:

- How important are the beatitudes in setting the stage for you to shine and make a difference? Which one will you focus on today?

- Are you ready to accept that you are the reflection of Christ’s light in this world? How will your choices today bring glory to Him?

- How are disciples to be more righteous than Pharisees? Will you determine today to check your heart and do things for the right reasons?

Matthew 4 - Daily Bible Devotional Jan 09, 2025

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It is difficult to imagine forty days without food. It is God’s plan for the Holy Spirit to lead Jesus into the wilderness to fast for that length of time. The devil takes the opportunity to try and stop Jesus’ redemptive ministry by tempting Him using three basic tactics: the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. Each time Jesus refuses to listen and uses Scripture to refute him. Following this, an angel comes and comforts Jesus. Jesus then travels to Galilee to begin His ministry. He begins with this powerful sentence: “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Jesus gathers up His first four apostles: Peter, Andrew, James, and John. He then goes about healing people and preaching “the gospel of the kingdom.”

Satan is not particularly creative. When he tempted Jesus with stones to bread, with the world’s glory, and with leaping from the temple, it was no different than the temptations Adam and Eve faced in the garden. He appeals to fleshly desires, distracted eyes, and a sense of importance. Adam failed. Jesus succeeded. In the footsteps of Jesus, with Scripture in our hearts and hands, we also can face temptation and stand with God. The result will be like Jesus: God will strengthen us, upholding our efforts, drawing us to people of faith who will walk with us, and opening opportunities to use our proven faith to share the gospel of the kingdom more boldly with others.

Great God of glory, thank you for sending Your Son to show us what it means to fully trust in You. Help us face our times in the wilderness with the same resolve to honor You in all circumstances. Will You give us the clarity we need to see through the devil’s tactics? We pray for comfort and support from those who have faced Satan and stood firm. We also pray to be those traveling companions for others, as we share in our common mission of telling others what is possible through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thought Questions:

- Will you be aware today of Satan’s three tools: the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the boastful pride of life? How will awareness help?

- How is facing temptation strengthened by quoting God’s word? How will you use Scripture to refute the devil’s work today?

- Why is it vital to get to work for Christ immediately following temptation? What mission will you stay focused on today no matter what?

Matthew 3 - Daily Bible Devotional Jan 08, 2025

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The last chapter of the Old Testament, Malachi 4, concludes by announcing that God will send “Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD.” Matthew reveals this man to be John the Baptist. He is Jesus’ cousin, and he lays the foundation for the teachings of Jesus. His message includes vital kingdom elements: repentance of sins, baptism in water, the Holy Spirit, and the fire of judgment. Some who come to him want the ceremonial washing but are unwilling to repent or accept the whole gospel message. John is laying the crucial groundwork for that complete gospel. Jesus, the greater One, would come after him. This begins with John baptizing Jesus as the Spirit descends upon Him and the Father speaks in approval of His “beloved Son.”

Our God wants everyone to be saved in Christ. Therefore, He is clear and concise when it comes to how to be saved. John the Baptist’s teachings help us see that. Forgiveness of sins was available to anyone who turned from sin with repentant hearts, was baptized in water, and devoted their life to obeying the will of God and His Spirit, with a healthy fear of eternal fire. All of that can be stated in a simple and life-changing way: follow Jesus. He came to do what was right and honor His Father. He was baptized in water “to fulfill all righteousness.” He then lived in the Spirit, full of grace and on a mission for God. In Him, so can we!

Wonderful Father, You are above us and greater than us in every possible way. And yet, You have communicated Your will to us so simply and powerfully. Thank You for sending John the Baptist to pave the way for our Savior. Thank you for sending Jesus to be our example, our Teacher, and our victorious King. Help us to be open to the whole gospel in a way that surpasses the Pharisees. Encourage us to live out the teachings of Jesus and to follow His example in all that we do.

Thought Questions:

- Does the word “repent” carry the same importance in your life as it did to Jesus and John? How do you demonstrate that?

- Is baptism as important to you as it was to Jesus and John? Beyond initial obedience, how do you demonstrate baptism’s importance?

- Are you living by faith in the Godhead? How do you show love and honor for the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in your daily life?

Matthew 2 - Daily Bible Devotional Jan 07, 2025

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Matthew documents the events immediately following Jesus’ birth. From the worshipping magi to the conniving Herod to the angel sending the family to Egypt, everything culminates in the murderous rampage of the king killing all the young boys in Bethlehem. Following Herod’s death, an angel directs Jesus’ family back to Nazareth. The significance of this chapter is found in the prophecies. Micah states a Ruler will come from Bethlehem. Hosea tells of God’s Son coming from Egypt. Jeremiah teaches there will be weeping at the loss of children. An unnamed prophet predicts that the Messiah will be called a Nazarene. Matthew is aligning the story of Jesus with the prophets of old. This would carry tremendous weight for the Jew and should demonstrate God’s design and control to us as well.

God controls how things come together for the good of His will and His people. Before Jesus was born, God knew all things. He used prophets to confirm His power to us. Life was not easy for those whom God chose to be a part of this incredible story. Circumstances were hard for Joseph and Mary, and certainly for families who lost their children to Herod’s wrath. But God was working on something beautiful and eternal. You are eternally blessed as the result of so much suffering and loss. God allowed this to save and bless you. Be thankful for those who labored in faith to bring about our Lord’s victory and stand prepared to struggle in His honor.

Compassionate Father, thank You for the word of the prophets, confirming our faith in Jesus Christ. Thank You for the examples of sacrifice throughout the life of Jesus that have graciously invited us into the redemptive story with Him. Will you give us the wisdom to see how much you endured to establish spiritual life and hope? Help us to be grateful for Your willingness to keep working on us, even amid the efforts of evil men. And may we return thanks by being worshipful and obedient like the magi in the days of Jesus’ birth.

Thought Questions:

- How does it strengthen your faith to see the story of Christ being revealed through Old Testament prophecies? What do they prove?

- What do you learn about faithfulness from the hardships of Joseph and Mary? What should you expect in your life of devotion to God?

- How can you see God’s power and goodness when babies were allowed to die at Herod’s hand? How does it cast your eyes more toward eternity?

Best Year Ever Jan 06, 2025

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Thank you for your support through six full seasons of the ESM podcast! We are excited to give season seven a go. Thank you for listening. We start by figuring out how we grade years. What does it take to have a best year ever? How would you evaluate the best one you've ever had? I hope to convince you that the ingredients are in place for this one to outshine them all, regardless of outside circumstances. But you'll need to be doing the daily things, the truly important things, to see the most profound difference. Let's explore that together!
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
Sponsors:
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
Phone: 205-326-7364
Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487

Matthew 1 - Daily Bible Devotional Jan 06, 2025

Show notes

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

The book of Matthew opens with the lineage of Jesus through his earthly father Joseph. Tying Jesus back to King David, the tribe of Judah, and Abraham, is a powerful opening point for the Jewish reader. This means that Jesus is the One spoken of in the great promises God made to these mighty men of faith. Jesus is the Messiah for which they were waiting! If you are looking to get more out of this genealogy, take a pencil and box in the names you recognize. There are some great men and women of faith listed here. Following this, Matthew continues to confirm Jesus as the Savior from the prophets, by citing Isaiah and telling the story of Jesus being born of a virgin, just as the Hebrew Scripture taught.

God planned to send Christ to become “God with us” from the foundation of the world. He chose to carry this out through the nation of Israel. God was incredibly patient for 2000 years, dating back to the days of Abraham. Repeatedly, He promised that all would be blessed, a Ruler would be established, and His Son would be the Savior of His people. We are enjoying the fulfillment and substance of that promise. From the moment a virgin gave birth to a child, the world was changed. We are blessed as a result of that change. Praise be to God for waiting patiently, enduring lovingly, and sending His Son to save us.

Great Father of Abraham, Judah, and David, we direct all praise and honor to Your mighty name. Thank you for working through the patriarchs, families, and kings to bring about “the Messiah” with His spiritual and eternal blessings. Thank you for Mary and Joseph’s faith and for the wonderful moment when Your divine Son entered this world on our behalf. Please give us the humility to be grateful and the faith to live out the intent of Christ’s coming. Show us what it means to be set apart as holy people: redeemed, purchased, and ruled by Your beloved Son.

Thought Questions:

- How can you draw faith-building value from a study of genealogies? What does it mean that Matthew links well-known biblical figures together?

- Why is the virgin prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 the right place to start building a case for Christ? How is the uniqueness of this miracle still potent today?

- What will be different about your day because you know God patiently and meticulously planned out the coming of Christ for your benefit?

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