Reading Psalms 22:11-21 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Feeling like God is far away even with the Holy Spirit. The Overwhelming circumstances that keep us from His peace. God’s faithfulness in reminding us of His love for us. The reality of the dark times. David doesn’t try to paint a rosy picture. The encouragement we can find in our sufferings.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 15:1-9 (NLT) ~Jesus Teaches About Inner Purity~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The human nature to construct walls, borders, and burdens for ourselves and others to live under. Bringing our own man-made ideas and rules is the same as clay saying that it is more intelligent than the potter. Disregarding the needs of aging parents is contrary to the heart of God. Not wanting to go through the hard things of life.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 14:22-36 (NLT) ~Jesus Walks on Water~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Why a ghost and not an angel? Peter’s request for proof. Jesus did challenge peter to come on the water but turned Peter’s challenge into an invitation. Peter’s reckless abandon and faith.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 14:13-21 (NLT) ~Jesus Feeds Five Thousand~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus’ example of dealing with grief. Jesus not looking at the masses as an inconvenience. John’s death was news to Jesus. Jesus’ example of faith. The need for love to be shared. The Disciples not getting it right away. The contrasting picture of the Kingdom of fear (Herod) and the Kingdom of Love (Jesus).

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 14:1-12 (NLT) ~The Death of John the Baptist~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Looking at the account of Herod killing John in Mark’s gospel. Herod’s pride and ego forced his hand. God can break into anybody’s life, and we all have a response to God’s movement in our life. You will be filled with remorse and regret when you choose to please people instead of seeking after God, what He is saying, and what to do about it.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 13:53-58 (NLT) ~Jesus Rejected at Nazareth~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Taking offense to Jesus because they knew the family he grew up in. Where did he learn all these things? Jesus wasn’t working miracles in his youth around town. God always using the unexpected person to do something great.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 13:47-52 (NLT) ~The Parables of the Fishing Net~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus is King whether you acknowledge His Kingship or not. It is not the way it’s supposed to so why cause more division by taking offense. The high challenge to the Pharisees but the encouragement to those that continued to wrestle His teachings.

Reading Psalms 22:1-10 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The struggle is real and when trials come it can feel like God is far away. The parallel of David and Jesus. The feeling of being unable to measure up or gain people’s favor. Getting caught in our circumstances or caught in His presence. Circumstance is the reality in which you walk in truth.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 13:44-46 (NLT) ~The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Seeking the undiscovered. The Love God, Love People paradigm. When you learn the name of Love and experience the goodness of God’s presence you let go of every other spiritual path. People say you have to love yourself before you can love others. Jesus is love, you must know love, to show love.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 13:31-35 (NLT) ~Parable of the Mustard Seed, Parable of the Yeast~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The message of the parable enforcing the teaching of the first shall be last and the value of humility. The Kingdom truths revealed in parables, love God, love people.