Jesus used the term ‘yeast: when describing the influence the heretical religious concepts of His day. Only a little can corrupt the greater entity.

Wise teachers and leaders should do all they can to protect the vulnerable hearts of the many who are in developmental stages of life.

Stay close to the pure teachings of Jesus.

PRAYER: Father, give us discernment to see and wisdom to correct errant influences.

READING: Matt. 16-18

Great crowds followed Jesus as he meandered through villages by the Sea of Galilee. He healed the sick and cast out demons with His word

No wonder the crowds would rather follow Him to hear and see Him than take time to eat. Then, He performed a miracle to feed them.

He could do ANYTHING.

PRAYER: Lord, show Your power as we pray and ask in Your name.

READ: Matt.14, 15

When Jesus traveled about Galilee, He would heal all who came to Him with physical problems. It seemed that nothing was too unusual or difficult for Him to heal.

It must be our doubt that hinders His moving in power today like it was in the New Testament. Like the father of a blind boy who was healed, let us also say, “Lord, I believe. Help me with my unbelief.”

Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.

PRAYER; Father, grant us the power to see miracles once again.

READING: Matt. 12, 13

PARENTING TIP: Teach your children to pray about every boo-boo.

Jesus told His Disciples that they would be hated because of Him. The aroma of their life cut against the grain of all who were bound in their sin. This animosity is clearly seen in political matters where Christian elected or appointed officials draw undeserved raw hatred from corrupt and bigoted zealots who worship self.

His advice; “Stand firm until the end.” His Kingdom is eternal. We will stand WITH HIM.

PRAYER: Father, into Your hands we commit our lives. Fill us with Holy Ghost power to overcome the influence and oppression of the devil.

READING: Matt. 10, 11

PARENTING TIP: Lay hands on your children and pray spiritual strength into their lives that they too may learn to stand against the evil one.

Jesus emphatically declared, “Don’t criticize people, and you will not be criticized. For you will be judged by the way you criticize others.” This verse needs to immediately come to our minds when we begin picking apart those we struggle with in our daily lives. It’s far too easy to see the faults of others and ignore our own.

Turn your critique upon yourself and let God deal with others.

“You can talk about me as you please. I’ll talk about you on my knees.”

PRAYER: Father, forgive us for being so judgmental. We fail to realize we’re turning it upon ourselves when we do.

READING: Matt. 7-9

PARENTING TIP: Break children early of the tendency to criticize others. You may be saving them from a lifetime of grief and self-destruction.

Jesus stiffly warned those listening to His teaching on practical Christianity that if they withheld forgiveness from anyone, they themselves would be denied forgiveness from their Heavenly Father. That would be too great a price to pay for allowing the misdeeds of others to stimulate a lingering irritation in our spirit.

Make the decision … I am resolved to forgive … then walk on in freedom.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, give us the grace to be forgivers like You. We can’t imagine how much forgiveness You have to issue out for all Your children.

PARENTING TIP: Forgiveness needs to be learned early. Consciously teach your children to follow through with verbally seeking and granting forgiveness.

READING: Matt. 5,6

Are these two of the most powerful words in the Bible? I think so.

As Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee, He merely uttered these words and grown men with vocations, loved ones, homes, and possibly families … made an abrupt change and joined this mystery man who preached a message unlike any other.

Today these words have the same impact. However, HE speaks them, not us. As the scripture says, “Unto HIM shall the gathering of the people be.” Paul said, “Be followers of me AS I FOLLOW CHRIST.” This is the formula for New Testament leadership.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, work Your work in us. Cause us to be the leaders and communicators that will honorably represent Your Kingdom here on earth.

READING: Matthew 1-4

Malachi gives some of the clearest instructions on tithing and its benefits. He reveals that God keeps record of those who tithe and is anxious to validate their obedience by opening heaven’s floodgates to pour out blessings for all to see.

His supernatural provision is available by merely trusting and obeying. You cannot afford to not tithe.

PRAYER: Father, Your ways are higher than ours. We gladly offer our tithes to the Kingdom storehouse where we receive our spiritual food. We are honored to be a part of Your glorious Kingdom.

READING: Malachi 2-4

Jerusalem.

The Psalmist called it “The joy of the whole earth.” Many songs have been written about it. It will be the location of the last great battle where the Lord will overcome His enemies and set up His earthly Kingdom.

Do its present inhabitants know what’s coming? We do when we read God’s Word. It’s the city of the great King. We watch with anticipation to see how soon Christ will come again.

PRAYER: Father, we say, “Even so, Lord Jesus, come.” Lord, we are anxious for Your return. Grace us and stir us to reach out in love to those who still need to hear about Your plan for their lives. We want to be fruitful until You return.

READING: Zechariah 14; Malachi 1

Zechariah foretold of a day when the House of David and Jerusalem’s inhabitants would mourn and grieve when they realize that Christ Jesus was their Messiah. It will happen when God pours out upon them a spirit of grace and supplication. I was there. It hasn’t happened yet.

God graciously gives to men the revelation of Himself and the ability to repent and change. This is why prayer for the lost that God would open their eyes is so effective. We should pray more.

PRAYER: Father, You alone can open blinded eyes, those that are both natural and spiritual. We will pray with fervency and in Jesus’ name.

READING: Zechariah 10-13