Digging Deeper~20th week after Pentecost

Ex. 33: 12-23: Moses talks God into showing mercy to the Israelites when God wanted to destroy them because of their lack of faith in Him. 

Ps.99: A song of praise for God leading and reigning over his people.

1 Thess. 1:1-10:Paul praises the Thessalonians for their great faith & in living that faith out as they told other about Jesus.

Mat.22:15-22: The Pharisees try to trick Jesus by asking him if it is lawful to pay taxes. Jesus tells them to pay the taxes & God what we owe.

The theme is faith. Faith that shows itself in how we live. In Exodus 33 we see what lack of faith looks like & how God feels about that. In Ps. 99, we see the song that those who have faith in God should be singing to Him. In Mathew 22 we hear Jesus words that tell us to honor those who have rule over us with taxes  to government & tithes  to God.  Lastly, In Thessalonians we listen as Paul praise the people of that church for living their faith out in word and deeds. 

Challenge of the week:

Do you show your faith in word and deed? How about how you handle your money? If you do not, hoe can you change that this week?

Accomplishment of the week:

What did God and you do this week?

Digging Deeper~19th week after Pentecost

Ex.32:1-14: While Moses was up on the mountain getting the ten commandments, the people were worshiping a false god.God wanted to kill them for doing so. Moses talked God out of it.

Ps.106:1-6,19-23:Speaks of praising God for his mercies, then tells of the mercy God showed them when they sinned in the wilderness by worshiping the golden calf.

Phil.4:1-9:Paul says to rejoice in the Lord, pray about everything, and think on the good things of God. 

Mat.22:1-14:Jesus tells the parable that tells how the kingdom of God is like a wedding feast for God's son. When those he invites does not come to it, he sends his workers out to invite the unwanted to come to the feast.

The theme is God's mercy. 

The verses speaks of the many times that God has been merciful towards those who were not worshiping him. They also tell us that we should sing praises to him for saving us when we did not deserve it. Jesus speaks of how those who were not suppose to go to the feast was invited to come after the chosen guests refused to go. We too are invited to the feast in heaven one day even though we may not be Jewish (God's chosen people). We should rejoice and sing praises to him for his mercy towards us.

Challenge of the week:

This week take the time to check to see if you have wondered from God's path like the Israelites did. If you have repent and make it right. No matter what rejoice and sing praises to God and think on all the good things of God.

Accomplishment of the week:

What did you and God accomplish this week together?

Digging Deeper~ 18th Week after Pentecost

Ex.20:1-4, 7-9,12-20: Some of the 10 commandments, which comes down to worshiping God only, & be loving towards others. Ps. 19: Speaks of the heavens declaring God's glory; The role of God Word; a prayer for forgiveness. Phil. 3:4b-14: Paul's testimony. Mat.21:33-46 : Parable of the vineyard & it's caretakers who beat the owners servants & killed his son.  The theme is What God views as sin, forgiveness, &  being faithful to obey God's Word.  God gave his people the ten commandants so that they would understand what God viewed as sin (Ex.20:1-20). Why because sin separated us from God & he wanted a relationship with people. The Psalms that the people sang spoke of God love for them & his forgiveness (Ps. 19). But just having the ten commandments did not save the people. Paul shows that when he gave his testimony. I  it, he tells of how he followed the law of God but found it did not save him. Knowing Jesus is what saved him from his sins (Phil. 3:4b-14). Jesus speaks of how God's people treated God, his prophets, and would treat himself by killing him. Also showing how important it is to do what God asks of people in the parable his tells of the vineyard keepers (Mat.21:33-46). We should work hard to make sure that we are staying close to God. We do this by reading, & obeying God Word. Challenge of the week: This week, check yourself to see where you do not obey God's Word~ The Bible. Then ask God to forgive you, and show you in His Word what it is that He want you to do instead.  Accomplishment of the week:  What did sin did God show you? How did you change it? What verses helped you to do so?