DO YOU SEE IT?
- Key Verse
"And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will descend to Hades; for if the miracles had occurred in Sodom which occurred in you, it would have remained to this day." (Matthew 11:23)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Have you ever memorized or even meditated on the Word to learn more about God? When you allow the Word to penetrate your heart and mind, sin flees, your soul finds rest, and then you begin to see truths you have never seen before.
Reflections
When I was given the opportunity to write a Journey devotional for Matthew 11, I was curious what other people had written in devotionals concerning this chapter. I had memorized this chapter back in August 2011 so it was not a surprise that a Google search revealed that the majority of devotionals focused on verses 28-30. Why? Because at one time or another, all of us are weary and heavy-burdened, and we need to be reminded to go to Jesus for rest. I can testify to these verses as I have taken up His yoke and learned from Him. When we allow the Word of God to penetrate our hearts and minds, sin flees, and our souls find rest. I could continue writing about His yoke being easy and His burden light, but something else yanked at my heart when I memorized this chapter.
Depending on what we are going through, Scripture always has a way of ministering to our hearts. My heart was drawn to verses 20-24. Sodom was a wicked city that God destroyed by fire (Genesis 19). I could not imagine a city more wicked than Sodom. But here, I learn that Sodom's judgment will be more bearable than Capernaum's. Unlike Sodom, Capernaum became the center of Jesus' Galilean ministry (Matthew 4:13). Did you know that five disciples came from Capernaum, and Jesus often stayed at Peter's house there? Yet, Capernaum lacked faith in the One who was ministering in its midst.
We need to focus on what the Lord is doing (performing) right before our eyes. I want to see Christ, the Hope of Glory, so that my life is changed. How many of us ignore what God is doing in our lives? Are we too stubborn to allow God to transform us?
Discussion Questions
1. Name one thing that God has done right before your eyes.
2. What prevents you from seeing more of God in your life?
3. What can you do to open your eyes to see Christ more?
WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY
MATTHEW 11-15 (JANUARY 16-20)
Read Matthew 13:1-23.
How many different places did the seeds fall? Review what happened to the seeds in each place (verses 4-8).
What do the places represent (verses 19-23)?
What kind of place do you want your heart to be?
How do you make sure your heart stays like the good soil, a place where God's truth will grow?
Activity: Get four paper cups and some rye grass seed. Let each of the four cups represent one of the "places."
Pathway: an empty cup with some seed in the bottom.
Rocky Place: rocks and seed in the bottom.
Thorny Place: put soil with rye grass in it and then put a layer of coins covering the top of the soil to represent the riches of this world.
Fertile Place: soil with rye grass seed planted in it.
Put all four in the sunlight and remember to water them all. Watch and see what happens to all four "places." Think about how to remain like the good soil, allowing God's Word to grow in your heart and life.
Jeremy
January 16, 2012 05:04 AM
Hi Tammy, Doh! I really must read my Bible more! PLEASE remember to pray for me that I will find God's Word irresistable, unputdownable and totally arresting. This busy life tries so hard to win my time for lesser things. Thank you so much for putting this on my mind! Blessings, Jer.
Eric
January 16, 2012 07:21 AM
Tammy, thanks for the encouragement and great reminder this morning. I hope I don't miss what He's doing today!
Vince Yung
January 16, 2012 07:29 AM
Thanks for the reminder that God's Word in our hearts can help us in all circumstances. My community group just agreed on Sunday to start memorizing verses! Your comment about transforming was right on target with what Todd spoke previously. And no, we cannot ignore what God is actively doing in and around us. God can speak to us using Todd, but can use you as a reminder.
Steph Miller
January 16, 2012 08:07 AM
What a nice surprise to start the day seeing your beautiful face! Thank you for your thought provoking questions, and thank you for the reminder to make memorization a priority! Love you, girl.
Paul Rutherford
January 16, 2012 08:35 AM
Nicely done, miss Fabian. Thank you for sharing.
Lisa
January 16, 2012 08:38 AM
Tammy, thank you for your devotional this morning. It sincerely spoke to my heart. I am beginning this online study as part of my morning routine. Please pray for me and my family. I am a full-time caregiver for my Father, who God has blessed with a long life. We share our days together and I will have bible time with him later. God Bless, Lisa
Lee Danis
January 16, 2012 09:21 AM
Beautiful devotional Tammy. I still can recall scripture that I memorized in the Navigator Study 35 yrs ago. Lisa, caregiving can be difficult. I hope you are also finding time for yourself.
Aunt M
January 16, 2012 11:19 AM
Proud of you girl! You are a blessing to my heart.What has God done right before my eyes? He has shown me the blessings, just this weekend, of service my sons provide for those in need. One received thanks for free graphic design (as ministry) for a singer and another sat in church with a young man with autism so his family can serve and worship.
Lucia
January 16, 2012 11:36 AM
Thank you for the encouraging words!
Irene
January 16, 2012 03:33 PM
love it Tammy....so true...The Lord looks for a people who's hearts are totally His and He is so patient and loving toward us...thanks for sharing...
Sue Bohlin
January 16, 2012 05:28 PM
I love it when devo writers zoom in on verses other than the ones we all (well, lots of us) have marked in our Bibles! What caught my attention today was the Lord's indictment of fickle folks who gripe about believers no matter what type of believer they are. I was reminded of Tim Tebow, who's getting flak for being so unapologetic about his faith and letting it inform the way he lives his life to the glory of God. When people are quiet about their faith, it's easy to criticize them for not being outspoken enough. No point in trying to win in the world's eyes. . . but if we live for an Audience of One, it all works out.
Joanne Crawford
January 16, 2012 06:24 PM
Right on, Tammy. This is awesome! Thank you so much! Joanne Crawford January 16, 2012 6:23 PM
Barry
January 16, 2012 06:31 PM
Tammy, thank you for sharing this devotional. Not only do we overlook what is happening in our lives, but often fail to give thanks for what God is doing. Your devotional reminds me that I need to be observant. I need to slow down and reflect on what God is doing right now. Barry
Aunt Linda
January 16, 2012 07:22 PM
So proud of you Tammy and how you have let the Lord work in your life. Your memorization of scripture and your loving, giving heart has been an encouragement to me. I have seen the changes God has brought in you life. Love you girl!
Auntie Pat
January 18, 2012 04:04 AM
Awe Tammy, thank you for those words. You are such an encouragement. You ask, what can I do to open my eyes to see Christ more? I need to be more forgiving, read more of my Bible, and never stop praying. Also, as Barry said, "slow down and reflect of what God is doing now" in the world and in my life. Love Auntie Pat
Koni Brewer
January 22, 2012 05:03 PM
Tammy you are a beautiful testament to God's redeeming Love!! His work in you is contagious and I praise Him for how He is revealing Himself and His truth through your life. I am also excited to see how He will complete the good work He is doing in you!! You are a blessing and I love you! It is my prayer that He will use His word in my life like you said, "to penetrate your heart and mind, sin flees, your soul finds rest, and then you begin to see truths you have never seen before." All for the King, Koni =)