エピソード

  • Enemies to Allies - Day 1

    Enemies to Allies - Day 1
    2024/09/23
    Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13 - "As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office, and He said to him, 'Follow Me!' So he got up and followed Him. While He was reclining at the table in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came as guests to eat with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, 'Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?' But when He heard this, He said, 'Those who are well don’t need a doctor, but the sick do. Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" Devotional: In the political landscape of Jesus' time, two of His disciples, Matthew the tax collector and Simon the Zealot, found themselves on opposite ends of the political spectrum. Matthew, a tax collector, was viewed as a traitor by his fellow Jews for working with the Roman oppressors, collecting taxes and likely exploiting his own people for personal gain. On the other hand, Simon was a Zealot, part of a radical group that believed in using violence to overthrow Roman rule. By worldly standards, these two men should have been enemies, yet Jesus chose them both to be His disciples. In today’s polarized world, it’s easy to fall into the mindset that someone who thinks differently politically is an enemy. But Jesus shows us a different way. He calls people from all walks of life—those on the left, those on the right, and everyone in between—and unifies them under His love, grace, and mission. Matthew and Simon’s transformation is a powerful example of how Jesus bridges divides and unites us under the banner of His kingdom. What makes this even more significant is that both Matthew and Simon had to leave behind their old allegiances and embrace a new identity in Christ. Their political affiliations no longer defined them; instead, their faith in Jesus became the central aspect of their lives. They found unity not in a political ideology but in their shared faith and their call to follow Jesus. Reflection Questions: 1. Have you ever found it difficult to love someone with opposing political views? How does Matthew and Simon’s story challenge you in this area? 2. What allegiances or identities do you need to set aside in order to fully embrace your identity in Christ? 3. How can you promote unity and grace, even in areas of political or ideological disagreement? Application: Spend time reflecting on any personal biases or divisions you may have fostered toward those with different views or backgrounds. Ask God to give you His heart for unity, seeing others as He does. If there’s someone you’ve distanced yourself from because of political differences, consider reaching out to them this week, extending grace and love as Jesus did. Closing Prayer: Lord, thank You for uniting us in Your love and grace, despite our differences. Help me to see others as You see them, and to love them with the same mercy and compassion You’ve shown me. Tear down any walls of division in my heart, and use me to promote unity in Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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    5 分
  • The Call to Follow - Day 2

    The Call to Follow - Day 2
    2024/09/24
    Scripture: Matthew 9:9 - "As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office, and He said to him, 'Follow Me!' So he got up and followed Him." Devotional: The simplicity of Matthew’s calling is striking. Matthew was sitting in his tax office, going about his daily work when Jesus approached him and said, "Follow Me." Without hesitation, Matthew left everything behind—his job, his wealth, his position—and followed Jesus. For Matthew, this moment marked the beginning of a radical transformation. What stands out here is not just Matthew's immediate response, but the fact that Jesus called someone like him at all. Tax collectors were despised by the Jewish people for their collaboration with the Romans and their reputation for corruption. Yet Jesus saw past all of this. He didn’t see Matthew’s sins and failures; He saw Matthew’s potential to be His disciple. Jesus' call to Matthew is a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of His grace. No matter our past or our current circumstances, Jesus extends the invitation to follow Him. The decision to follow, however, requires a willingness to leave behind the things that have defined us—our past mistakes, our old identities, and the ways we have lived apart from God. Like Matthew, when Jesus calls us to follow Him, it’s an invitation to a new life, a new purpose, and a new identity. Following Jesus means leaving behind anything that keeps us from fully committing to Him and embracing the life He offers. Reflection Questions: 1. What "tax office" are you sitting in today—what things are holding you back from fully following Jesus? 2. How does Jesus’ call to Matthew encourage you about His willingness to call you, despite your past? 3. What might you need to leave behind in order to follow Jesus more fully? Application: Consider what in your life may be keeping you from fully following Jesus. This could be a sin, a relationship, or even a mindset. Spend time in prayer, asking God to help you let go of these things and to give you the courage to step into the life He is calling you to. Closing Prayer: Jesus, thank You for calling me to follow You. Help me to let go of anything that holds me back from fully embracing the life You have for me. Give me the courage to leave behind my old ways and to trust You with my future. In Your name, Amen.
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    4 分
  • Grace for Both Sides - Day 3

    Grace for Both Sides - Day 3
    2024/09/25
    Scripture: Matthew 9:12-13 - "But when He heard this, He said, 'Those who are well don’t need a doctor, but the sick do. Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" Devotional: When Jesus called Matthew, He didn’t just call him out of his old life; He invited him into a new community. Shortly after his calling, Matthew hosted a meal at his house, inviting other tax collectors and sinners to dine with Jesus. This act drew criticism from the Pharisees, who couldn’t understand why Jesus would associate with people they deemed unworthy. Jesus' response is profound: "Those who are well don’t need a doctor, but the sick do." He was clear that His mission was to reach those who recognized their need for Him. This statement should challenge us, especially in how we view those who are different from us. Just as Jesus reached out to both Matthew the tax collector and Simon the Zealot, we are called to extend grace to everyone, regardless of their background, status, or political beliefs. The reality is, we are all in need of the "Doctor"—Jesus. Whether we see ourselves as righteous or sinful, we all have areas in our lives where we fall short and need His healing and forgiveness. The Pharisees missed this point because they believed they were righteous on their own. But Jesus came for those who knew they needed Him, and that includes all of us. Reflection Questions: 1. How do you respond to people you disagree with, especially those whose lifestyles or beliefs differ from yours? 1. What areas in your life do you need to recognize as needing healing from the "Doctor"—Jesus? 1. How can you extend grace to others in the same way Jesus extended grace to Matthew? Application: Take time this week to reach out to someone who is different from you, whether politically, socially, or culturally. Look for ways to extend grace and kindness, even in your differences. Ask God to help you see them through His eyes, as someone He loves and desires to heal. Closing Prayer: Lord, help me to extend grace to those around me, especially to those who are different from me. Thank You for being the "Doctor" who heals us, even when we are far from perfect. Teach me to love others as You do, and to show them Your mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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    4 分
  • Jesus Unifies what the Enemy Divides - Day 4

    Jesus Unifies what the Enemy Divides - Day 4
    2024/09/26
    Scripture: Matthew 9:11 - "When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, 'Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?'" Devotional: The story of Matthew and Simon the Zealot reminds us that Jesus unifies what the enemy seeks to divide. In the political climate of their time, Matthew and Simon would have been enemies. Matthew, as a tax collector, worked for the Roman government, while Simon, as a Zealot, sought to overthrow it. Yet, both of these men were called by Jesus to become part of His inner circle, His disciples. Their stories are a powerful reminder that Jesus is not limited by our political, social, or cultural divisions. He brings together people who would otherwise be enemies and unites them under His love and grace. The enemy, Satan, seeks to divide us—through politics, ideology, and even religion. But Jesus shows us a different way: the way of unity. In today’s divided world, it’s easy to allow political or ideological differences to drive a wedge between us and others, even within the church. But the call of Jesus is to love, forgive, and seek unity in Him. We are not called to promote political agendas, but to promote the kingdom of God. Our primary allegiance is not to a political party or ideology but to Jesus and His mission. Reflection Questions: 1. In what ways have you allowed political or ideological differences to create division in your relationships? 2. How can you actively seek unity with jesus followers and even not-yet jesus followers, even when you disagree on important issues? 3. What would it look like for you to prioritize your identity in Christ over your political affiliations? Application: This week, reflect on any relational divisions in your life that have been caused by politics or ideology. Ask yourself whether these divisions are in line with the heart of Jesus. Seek out a conversation with someone who holds different views than you, and approach the dialogue with humility, a willingness to listen, and a desire to reflect Christ’s love and unity. Closing Prayer: Jesus, thank You for being the great unifier. Help me to seek unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ, even when we disagree on important matters. Show me how to prioritize Your kingdom over any earthly allegiance, and help me to extend grace and love to those who see things differently than I do. May Your love be my guide in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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    5 分
  • The Call to Humility and Repentance - Day 5

    The Call to Humility and Repentance - Day 5
    2024/09/27
    Scripture: Matthew 9:13 - "But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners." Devotional: One of the most striking things about Jesus’ response to the Pharisees in Matthew 9:13 is His emphasis on mercy over sacrifice. The Pharisees prided themselves on their external religious practices, believing that their strict adherence to the law made them righteous. But Jesus, quoting from the Old Testament, reminds them—and us—that God is more interested in hearts filled with mercy than in outward acts of religion. Jesus’ call to Matthew and Simon also highlights the theme of mercy. Both men were deeply flawed—Matthew, a despised tax collector who exploited his own people, and Simon, a zealot who resorted to violence in his political extremism. Yet, Jesus chose to call them both, not because they were righteous, but because they were in need of mercy and transformation. In the same way, Jesus calls us to humility. None of us are righteous on our own; we all stand in need of God’s mercy. Recognizing this truth should shape how we view others. Instead of looking down on those who are different from us or caught up in sin, we are called to extend the same mercy that Jesus has shown us. This is not always easy. It requires us to set aside our pride and self-righteousness, acknowledging that we, too, are sinners in need of grace. But when we do this, we reflect the heart of Jesus and become vessels of His love to a world in desperate need of it. Reflection Questions: 1. Are there any areas in your life where you have allowed pride or self-righteousness to take root? 2. How does Jesus' call for mercy over sacrifice challenge you in your relationships with others, especially those you may judge? 3. What steps can you take to cultivate a heart of humility and mercy in your everyday life? Application: This week, take time to examine your heart for any traces of pride or self-righteousness. Confess these areas to God, and ask Him to fill you with a heart of humility and mercy. Look for opportunities to extend grace to someone who needs it, whether through forgiveness, acts of kindness, or simply by offering understanding and compassion. Closing Prayer: Lord, I confess that there are times when I allow pride and self-righteousness to creep into my heart. Help me to remember that I am in need of Your mercy just as much as anyone else. Give me a heart that is humble and quick to extend grace to others. May I reflect Your love and compassion in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Conclusion to the Week As we've explored the lives of Matthew the tax collector and Simon the Zealot, we’ve been reminded of how Jesus brings together those who are seemingly on opposite ends of the spectrum and unites them through His grace. Whether we identify with Matthew’s pursuit of self-interest or Simon’s zealous passion for righteousness, we all need the transformative power of Jesus in our lives. Throughout this week, the key message has been that Jesus calls us out of division, pride, and self-reliance and into a life of humility, mercy, and unity. No matter where we come from or what our past looks like, we are all invited to follow Jesus. And in following Him, we are called to lay down the things that divide us and take up His mission of love and reconciliation. As you reflect on this journey, continue to seek ways to live out these truths. Be agents of unity in a divided world, extend mercy where it is needed, and let your allegiance to Christ shape every part of your life. Remember, Jesus knew the hearts of Matthew and Simon when He called them, and He knows your heart too. He calls you not because of your righteousness, but because of His love. Follow Him and allow His grace to transform you from the inside out
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    6 分
  • Recognizing & Addressing Our Vices - Day 1

    Recognizing & Addressing Our Vices - Day 1
    2024/09/30
    Temperament Assessment: https://tinyurl.com/12temperament-test Scripture: Matthew 7:3-4 - "Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a log in your eye?" Devotional: In this passage, Jesus confronts one of the greatest struggles we face in our spiritual journey—our tendency to focus on the flaws and vices of others while ignoring our own. This tendency is often rooted in pride and self-righteousness. We become so preoccupied with what others are doing wrong that we overlook the need for self-examination and personal transformation. The disciples themselves were not immune to this human tendency. They often displayed attitudes and behaviors that revealed deep-seated vices. Peter was impulsive and prideful; James and John were quick-tempered and ambitious. Even Thomas, known for his doubt, struggled to fully trust Jesus until he could see physical proof of the resurrection. Yet Jesus called each of these flawed men to follow Him. He didn’t choose them because of their virtues but rather in spite of their vices. Jesus knew that transformation was possible, not by their own strength but through His teaching, grace, and the power of the Holy Spirit. This principle is still true for us today. Spiritual maturity begins not with pointing out the sins of others but by examining our own hearts. We must look honestly at our vices—the tendencies and behaviors that hinder our spiritual growth—and allow Jesus to transform them into virtues. This process requires humility, vulnerability, and a willingness to be corrected by God’s Word. Reflection Questions: 1. What are some vices in your own life that you often overlook or justify? 2. How do you typically respond when confronted about your shortcomings? 3. What steps can you take to shift your focus from the flaws of others to addressing your own need for growth? Application: Take time today to reflect on your own life and identify one vice that you struggle with. It could be pride, impatience, anger, or a lack of faith. Write it down and ask God to reveal ways to address it. Commit to a plan of growth, whether through prayer, seeking accountability, or finding relevant scriptures to meditate on. Remember, transformation starts with humility and an honest look at yourself. Closing Prayer: Lord, I confess that it’s often easier to see the faults in others than to recognize my own. Help me to shift my focus from judging others to examining my own heart. Reveal the areas in my life where I need to grow, and give me the courage to confront these vices with honesty and humility. Transform me, Lord, by Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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    4 分
  • Vices and Virtues of the Disciples - Day 2

    Vices and Virtues of the Disciples - Day 2
    2024/10/01
    Temperament Assessment: https://tinyurl.com/12temperament-test Scripture: Philippians 3:12-13 - "Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it." Devotional: The Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians reflect the ongoing journey of spiritual growth. Paul, despite being a leader and a faithful follower of Jesus, admitted that he had not yet “arrived” at full maturity. This mindset of continuous growth is one that the disciples of Jesus also had to adopt. They were a group of men with distinct personalities, vices, and flaws, yet Jesus called them to follow Him, not because they were perfect, but because they were willing to be transformed. Let’s look briefly at some of the vices that characterized the Twelve Disciples: • Peter struggled with impulsiveness and fear, often acting before thinking. • James and John, the “Sons of Thunder,” were quick-tempered and ambitious, desiring positions of power. • Andrew was overshadowed by his brother Peter and often displayed a lack of initiative. • Philip was skeptical and had difficulty seeing beyond the physical realm. • Thomas is famously known for his doubt and need for tangible evidence. • Matthew had a background of greed, being a tax collector, and was despised by his fellow Jews. • Simon the Zealot was passionate but often militant, driven by a desire to overthrow Roman rule. • Judas Iscariot was characterized by greed and ultimately betrayed Jesus. Each of these men had a unique set of vices that Jesus sought to transform. For three years, He patiently taught, corrected, and rebuked them, using every opportunity to cultivate virtues such as humility, meekness, purity of heart, and a hunger for righteousness. Jesus did not ignore their flaws but addressed them head-on, helping them grow into the men who would later carry His message to the ends of the earth. Just as Jesus worked in the lives of these disciples, He desires to work in our lives as well. We must be willing to acknowledge our vices and surrender them to Him, trusting that He can replace them with virtues that reflect His character. Reflection Questions: 1. Which of the disciples’ vices do you identify with the most, and why? 2. How has Jesus worked to transform a particular vice in your life into a virtue? 3. What role does community play in helping you recognize and address your vices? Application: Consider taking the Becoming the Twelve Temperament Assessment to gain a clearer understanding of which disciple you most closely resemble in terms of temperament and struggles. As you do, ask God to show you how He wants to transform these areas into strengths for His glory. Closing Prayer: Lord, thank You for the example of the Twelve Disciples, who were far from perfect yet were used mightily by You. Help me to see myself honestly and to be willing to let go of my vices. Transform me, Lord, into someone who reflects Your love, grace, and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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    4 分
  • A Path to Spiritual Maturity - Day 3

    A Path to Spiritual Maturity - Day 3
    2024/10/02
    Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12 - Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. He said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven. Devotional: The Sermon on the Mount is one of Jesus’ most famous teachings, and within it, the Beatitudes serve as a blueprint for transforming our vices into virtues. Jesus began this sermon by describing a series of “blessed” states that often seem counterintuitive. How can the poor in spirit, the meek, or the persecuted be blessed? For the Twelve Disciples, the Beatitudes were a direct challenge to their vices. Each line of this teaching offered a pathway to spiritual maturity that countered their natural tendencies: • Peter and James’s pride and impulsiveness are addressed by the call to meekness. Meekness isn’t weakness; it’s strength under control. • John’s intolerance is confronted by the call to be a peacemaker. • Thomas’s doubt is met with a call to hunger and thirst for righteousness. • Simon the Zealot’s extremism is countered by the virtue of being a peacemaker. • Judas’s greed and ambition are met with the call to be “poor in spirit” and to pursue righteousness. Like the disciples, the Beatitudes challenge us to live counter to our natural inclinations, transforming our vices into virtues that reflect God’s heart. For example: • To those struggling with pride and ambition (like Peter, James, and John), Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek.” • To the skeptical and doubting (like Thomas and Philip), Jesus calls them to “hunger and thirst for righteousness.” • For those grappling with anger and division (like Simon the Zealot), Jesus proclaims, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” As followers of Jesus, the Beatitudes invite us to see our weaknesses not as roadblocks but as opportunities for growth. When we mourn over our sin, we are comforted by God’s grace. When we hunger and thirst for righteousness, our vices are replaced by a longing for what is right and true. The Beatitudes are not just characteristics to admire—they are the virtues that replace the vices in our hearts. This transformation isn’t something we can achieve on our own; it is the result of surrendering our weaknesses to Jesus and allowing His Spirit to work in us. Reflection Questions: 1. Which of the Beatitudes speaks to a specific vice you struggle with? 2. How does embracing the opposite virtue feel challenging, and what steps can you take to grow in that area? 3. How can you use the Beatitudes as a guide for your spiritual growth? Application: Choose one Beatitude to focus on this week. Memorize it, pray over it, and ask God to help you embody that virtue in your daily life. If you struggle with pride, focus on cultivating meekness; if you struggle with anger, work on becoming a peacemaker. Let the Beatitudes shape your character as you strive to reflect Jesus more each day. Closing Prayer: Lord, thank You for the powerful teaching of the Beatitudes. Help me to internalize these virtues and to see them manifest in my life. Transform my heart, replacing my vices with the beauty of Your character. May I be poor in spirit, meek, merciful, and pure in heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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    5 分