Monthly Archives: August 2019

Living by grace (Matthew 19-20)

Posted on August 29, 2019 by

To understand the parable at the beginning of Matthew 20, you really need to look at the end of chapter 19. Peter had just seen a man walk away from the Lord because that man couldn’t let go of his … Continue reading →

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The standard we follow (Matthew 19)

Posted on August 28, 2019 by

We live in a world now where things that were once common sense are now openly questioned. More, you are condemned if you dare to question what the world now believes. For example, according to the world’s standard, the ideas … Continue reading →

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Listen to him! (Matthew 17)

Posted on August 26, 2019 by

It wasn’t long ago that I wrote on the parallel passage from Mark concerning Jesus’ transfiguration. But the Father’s words, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased. Listen to him!” still ring in my heart. The writer … Continue reading →

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A hindrance to Christ (Matthew 16)

Posted on August 23, 2019 by

Jesus’ harsh words to Peter really made me think. Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me because you’re not thinking about God’s concerns but human concerns. (23) Just a few minutes earlier, he had told Peter, I … Continue reading →

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God’s grace and truth (Psalm 57-61)

Posted on August 17, 2019 by

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17) Grace and truth. These two words are the Greek equivalent to two words often found in the Old Testament. In the CSB, they are … Continue reading →

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A life of rest (Matthew 11)

Posted on August 16, 2019 by

Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your … Continue reading →

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Say the word (Matthew 7-8)

Posted on August 13, 2019 by

“Say the word.” Those words ring in my heart. They are words that recognize the authority of Jesus. An authority that the people marveled at, and even his own disciples marveled at. (7:28-29; 8:27.) It’s an authority that instantly brought … Continue reading →

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This I know (Psalm 56)

Posted on August 11, 2019 by

In a time when the Philistines had seized David in Gath, David’s words ring with faith. This I know: God is for me. (9) Do we have this confidence? When things are falling apart around us, and everyone seems against … Continue reading →

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Where our eyes are focused (Matthew 6)

Posted on August 9, 2019 by

Here in Japan, we often talk about how 99% of the population don’t know Jesus. And in that environment, Jesus’ instructions on how we should pray becomes all the more urgent. Your kingdom come. (10) But as I looked at … Continue reading →

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Living by the Word of God (Matthew 4)

Posted on August 7, 2019 by

Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. (4) Jesus’ words strike me on two levels. We live in a world where the world is trying to impress its values … Continue reading →

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Living as Jesus did (Matthew 3)

Posted on August 6, 2019 by

I can’t help but notice in this passage that Jesus sets us an example for how we should live as Christians. In getting baptized, though he had no sin to repent of, Jesus showed that he was submitting himself to … Continue reading →

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The one who saves his people (Matthew 1)

Posted on August 2, 2019 by

I heard news today of a well-known former pastor who has now renounced his faith and is now going down a different path. And the question that is often asked at this kind of time is, “What happened? How could … Continue reading →

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