Christmas in the Gospels
Daily Bible Studies for December 29 - January 3, 2008
This Week’s Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20 NLT
15“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
18“I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
19“Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we enter the last few days of 2008, I pray that You will fill me anew with the Holy Spirit that I may live fully for You. I pray that as we start a week of focusing on “keeping short accounts” that You will show me any relationship where I need to seek reconciliation. Guide me to glorify You in my thoughts, words and actions. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
15“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. NLT
What would this look like in practical terms in your life right now?
What does it mean to “win” your brother over?
Today’s Challenge: I will keep short accounts with all in my sphere of influence, and in this way bring glory to God!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, sometimes all that keeps me from being faithful is fear. I pray that You will empower me by Your Holy Spirit to live in faith and love, because Your word tells me that perfect love casts out fear. Use me as an instrument of healing in all my relationships today and every day. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ NLT
Why do you think Jesus quoted the Old Testament law of establishing a matter by the testimony of two or three witnesses in cases when a “brother” won’t listen?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in the courage of the Holy Spirit’s presence and will live in an accountable way, so that I may also help others be accountable in their walks with Jesus!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, sometimes Your word challenges us to actions that seem severe. Please show me if there are any situations in my life that could lead to others challenging me for my lack of faithfulness. If there are, God, I repent and pray that Your Spirit’s conviction will be all that’s necessary for me to change. This I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. NLT
What would it mean to “tell it to the church” in such a situation?
What place does grace have in THIS situation?
Today’s Challenge: I will call on the Holy Spirit to lead me in the ways of life and truth so that my life may be a testimony for others!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Jesus has given us great authority as we live our lives in His name. I pray that You will fill me with the Holy Spirit so that my thoughts, words, and actions will be pleasing to You, and that anytime I exercise Your authority it will be for the building up of Your eternal Kingdom! This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
18“I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. NLT
What things may need to be “bound” here on earth?
What things may need to be “loosed”?
Today’s Challenge: I will exercise God’s authority in my life in ways that will bring Him glory and praise!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for having Jesus remind me that the life in Him is never a life lived in isolation! Keep me mindful of the need to stay accountable to others, and to hold others accountable in our common walk of faith, that together we may be more of a blessing than we could be alone. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
19“Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. NLT
What does Jesus mean that if two of us agree on “anything” it will be done by His Heavenly Father?
Does this mean that God will always answer our prayers when we get someone to agree with us in them?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in accountability with others, so that I may be blessed and that I may be a blessing!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know you hear my prayers, when I come to you in private. But in Your word, You say that You are with us in a special way when two or three come together in Jesus’ name. I pray that You will keep me in the fellowship of other believers, that I may always know Jesus’ special presence in my life, and in our life together. This I pray in His name! Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” NLT
Why do you think Jesus told us that He is with us when two or three come together in His name?
What does this say about when we come to Him when we’re alone?
Today’s Challenge: I will gather with fellow believers on a regular basis to worship, fellowship, grow, and serve in Jesus’ name!