Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 11:25-30 (NLT) ~Jesus’ Prayer of Thanksgiving~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Eating the fruit, thinking ourselves wise and clever, believing humanity is all we need. Finding our own truth sounds pleasing but is deception aimed at keeping you from looking to God. The reminder to have a childlike approach to the word of God looking to learn. No one knows the heart of God in our own strength of intellect.

Reading Psalms 20 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The picture of David’s heart for the people of Israel, wanting them to experience the peace of God. Burnt offerings not as important the loving God and loving people. Raising the victory banner in God’s name. Being after our own plans vs David being for God’s heart. God knows how to give good gifts.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 11:20-24 (NLT) ~Judgement for the Unbelievers~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Encouragement to wake up and see the gift that is right in front of us.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 11:16-19 (NLT) ~ Jesus and John the Baptist Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. An example of how the Bible is as true today as it was when it was written. How humanity fails to appropriately respond to the prophets and even to Jesus. Choosing to take offence instead of stepping up to the challenge. Growing in Christ or going stagnant. Living a life that looks like what we say we believe.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 11:7-15 (NLT) ~ Jesus and John the Baptist Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus addressing the crowds concerning John to help the see who John was and what he was doing. Critical spirits looking for arbitrary reasons to not dismiss the things that are challenging. Being greater but not the greatest. Jesus speaking to John’s execution.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 11:1-6 (NLT) ~ Jesus and John the Baptist~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. A moment in Johns shoes. Prison as a physical example of not living in freedom, in bondage. Wanting Jesus to change our circumstance. Keeping our eyes on our Hero, Jesus, through all the trials and tribulations of circumstance.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 10:40-42 (NLT) ~ Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Connection to the teaching starting at Matthew 25:31. The connection chain of reception. The reward of relationship. Love God (receive the prophets) Love People (receive the righteous). We are connected to each other, to Christ, and to the Father.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 10:26-31 (NLT) ~ Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The encouragement and reassurance of “anyone who denies Jesus will be denied.” Micha 7:6 being referenced. Jesus’ perfect justice and judgement. Jesus puts His own life down for us. Letting go of your life for the life Jesus has for you.

Reading Psalms 19 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The heavens being a testimony of God’s glory. The goodness of God, and his ways are the finest gold. David’s imagery of the greatness of God. The Law is a warning, as in a guide letting you know where the lines are drawn. Being aware that there are sins lurking within that we are unaware of. God being our strength and redeemer.

Reading Matthew 10:26-31 (NLT) ~ Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The continued promise that the truth will be revealed. You say the words, God does the work. Continued theme: the Father will be with you. God speaking to us in the darkness, through all the hills and valleys of life. The imagery of being the light. Jesus confronting the greatest fears of humanity. Jesus is the way to turn your anxieties into reminders of His promises that endure forever.