Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture this week is Matthew 13:1-17.

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

Jesus tells the disciples how blessed they are – they chose to follow Him and learn the lessons He brings. They have taken the first step in their spiritual journey with Christ and will be taught even more yet. He tells them that not everyone will be able to join them, as everyone must choose for themselves to accept the invitation Jesus offers.

“But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear” (v. 17). Jesus says they will receive the gift of understanding by listening to His lessons and watching how He interacts with people. Then they will be able to share His message with others and invite them to make the decision to follow Him.

Jesus wants all of us to have this blessing, to be able to know the joy of His kingdom and the satisfaction of working with Him to make a better world for everyone. Are you ready to follow Jesus as brothers and sisters? He has a place and a task waiting for you!

Gracious God, keep us aware of the call You place on our lives. Make us strong to do the work, steadfast in our faith, and reaching out with Your love to all. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 13:1-17.

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

Jesus came to fulfill prophecies God had sent long ago, that the people might hear His words and see His work and believe. It wasn’t for lack of communication or lack of knowledge that we failed, but a failure of heart and spirit that keep us from coming to Jesus fully. We hear and see, but we don’t ask and accept.

The words of the prophet Isaiah from many years before are prominent in this lesson – “For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes” (v .15). How it must hurt God that we have calloused hearts, toughened spirits no longer feeling the pain of others, deaf ears and blind eyes that are closed to the needs of the world. We are so often focused only on ourselves that we fail to understand the blessings we have been given and the responsibilities they entail.

Jesus continues with the rest of the quote from Isaiah: “Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them” (v.15). Even in our unseeing, unhearing and unfeeling, God loves us and wants us to come to Him. May we all turn to Him today that the world might be healed.

Gracious God, we are burdened by sin and sick with the guilt of ignoring each other. Help us to live as Your people, aware of our constant need for Your love and forgiveness, and ready to answer Your call on our lives. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 13:1-17.

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

Later in this scripture (Matthew 13:18-23) Jesus explains to His disciples what the parable means. He tells them that the people of Israel have often fallen away in the past, which is why the prophet Isaiah warned that they were “ever hearing but not understanding, ever seeing but not perceiving” (Isaiah 6:9). The people had forgotten the meaning of the word of the Lord even though they heard it daily and saw the needs of others.

Jesus teaches in parables to make us think. God gave us the gift of intellect and reason and uses this teaching method to encourage us to engage the scriptures, to ask the hard questions and better understand their meaning for our lives. In order to fully appreciate God’s call, we must learn about His plans, not just for us but for all people everywhere.

If we truly and honestly seek the answers in scripture and pray about how to apply them, God will give us the guidance we need. If we ignore our spiritual lives we can wind up like many in Israel from times past – seeing but not perceiving, hearing but not understanding. Be involved with God’s word, pray about what you read and discuss it with those you trust to help. Through these practices, we are taught and saved.

Loving Lord, we are grateful for the gift of intelligence You have given us. Help us to use it to be Your people, aware of our relationship to You and our responsibilities in Your world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 13:1-17.

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

As we have discussed, Jesus used parables to reach those who truly wanted to hear about the kingdom of God. To those who listened with their hearts and minds, His lessons brought examples of God’s love and how we are to share it. Jesus wants us to think about our relationship with God and how best to use His gifts.

Those who came to “see the show” or with the intent of discrediting Him heard only a story they didn’t fully understand. Jesus wants all to come to Him, but we must want and accept the blessing He brings us. A connection to God is a two-way street – He has much to give us but we have a responsibility to learn and grow spiritually, being made ready for the task to which He calls us.

Those who come with their arms crossed, saying “prove it to me” are not going to get the message. Jesus wants us to hear and understand the parable, but we must be ready to accept its full meaning and the challenge it presents. Those who earnestly seek the kingdom and are willing to do the work He has for us will see and hear clearly.

Gracious God, we are grateful for the lessons Jesus brought us. Help us to live out the things He taught, sharing Your love everywhere. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 13:1-17.

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

Jesus once again shares a parable with the people, but then goes on to explain to the disciples why He uses these. It sounds a little confusing, to them and us! The scripture from Isaiah 6:9 says “Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving”, a warning to the people that they must pay attention to the prophets’ teachings and not ignore God’s commands.

Jesus knows that some of the people are very earnest in their desire to understand and obey, but many are living only for themselves and pay no attention to what He teaches. Jesus is not choosing some over others, they have made the choice themselves. He isn’t hiding the truth from them, they are ignoring it.

We have the same opportunity and the same risk as the people then. We make our own choice to listen and follow Jesus or to put our desires first. When we choose to hear and understand, we can be blessed beyond measure and be a part of His ministry to the world.

Loving Lord, we are often slow to hear to the call You place on our lives. Help us to be attentive listeners and energetic workers for Your kingdom. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 11:25-30.

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

In this passage Jesus shares His invitation to be part of the kingdom work for which He came. He calls each of us to be part of His team, using an example from the farm practice of that time – the yoke, which was used to pair oxen together for strong and efficient plowing. When two oxen worked together, side by side it was much faster.

Is Jesus saying we are like oxen? Well, He has compared us to sheep before (which is not very flattering, but truer than we would like to admit!) and it is only for showing us how we are called to work together, as a team of oxen does, and that we are stronger when we are united. When we accept His burden and help each other, we are all made better.

The other point He doesn’t say specifically is that while we take His yoke, it is Jesus Himself by our side to help us bear the burden. He came to be yoked with us and for us, saving us from the weight of our sin through His sacrifice. Are we pulling our weight in the yoke with Him?

Gracious God, we thank You for the gift of our Savior, who came willingly to be one of us and relieve our burden. Make us strong and faithful to the kingdom, willing to work beside Jesus for the good of all. Amen.

Friends, due to a possible COVID exposure I am canceling our live services for tomorrow, July 5th at Nehawka UMC and Weeping Water UMC. There will be a FaceBook Live service at 10:50, and the recording shared as always. We would rather be cautious and as soon as we are aware of our exposure status, we will take all appropriate action to be tested and quarantine if necessary. Prayers and blessings, Pastor Doug

Our scripture this week is Matthew 11:25-30.

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Jesus speaks of the teaching method He uses as being part of God’s plan. It is a gentle way of relating to people, encouraging them to think about the lesson for themselves, using everyday items and situations to show them how we should live. It is very different from the scholarly speeches and heavy-handed control practiced by the religious and civic leaders.

Those in power often spoke in confusing and sometimes harsh ways, using the confusion and fear their words created to maintain control. They were not above lying when it suited their purpose. Jesus comes to invite the people to connect more closely with God and share that truth and love with others.

The parables Jesus taught us are easy to remember, and we are then able to apply them to the situations we face in our lives. Perhaps we no longer practice some of the things Jesus used as examples, but the value of the story is still there to guide us even today. I encourage you to remember a parable you have heard and go look up that passage in scripture, that you may again be blessed by His simple and loving teachings.

Gracious God, we are grateful that Jesus came to love and teach us. Help us to better understand and follow the way You call us to go. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 11:25-30.

At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

In this passage Jesus tells us “All things have been committed to me by my Father” (v. 27), indicating the confidence God has in Him and the depth of their connection. When the angel Gabriel announced the coming of Jesus to Mary, he said “they will call him Immanuel, which means God with us”. In John 14:9 Jesus says “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father”. While we may not understand fully, we believe the truth these passages teach us – Jesus and God are one.

In the hymn “They’ll Know We Are Christians” we sing “we are one in the spirit, we are one in the Lord”. We know that Jesus came to be with us and teach us how we can be joined to God and each other through our faith. He tells us this unity in love is the most important part of that relationship.

Are we showing we are Christians by our love? Be aware of the many opportunities we are given each day to share the Good News, to show the world a better way by living as Jesus did. May we be obedient to His commands and may He say of us “Anyone who knows you knows Me”.

Loving Lord, help us to be strong but kind bearers of Your word. May the world come to know the truth of Your love and justice through the work You have given us. Amen.