Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 9:27-34 (NLT) ~ Jesus heals in Response to Faith~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The blind me being convinced Jesus can restore their sight but then do not follow His instructions. Humanity getting it wrong even when we get what we want. The Pharisees responding with jealousy from their own insecurities, the blind men responded out of elation, they all got it wrong, and so do we.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 9:18-26(NLT) ~ Jesus heals in Response to Faith~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. If You come, if I can touch Your robe, if you just say the word. Having it in your head how it must go. The challenge to let go of believing that I know how God will bring about healing. Coming out of the teaching about new and old wineskins and fabric. God must be so patient.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 9:14-17(NLT) ~ A Discussion about Fasting~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The disciples noticing something different about Jesus and His followers prompting a fair question. The New Way of interacting with God through seeking His presence. Becoming the person God created you to be. We all have things we must un-learn, repent, and allow Jesus to show us the way.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 9:9-13 (NLT) ~ Jesus Calls Matthew~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The picture of Matthew’s heart in inviting all his cohorts, the fringe and the outcasts. Jesus knowing Matthew’s heart. Matthew wanted people to have an opportunity to respond to being in the presence of God. Wondering how the Pharisees responded to Jesus challenge to go and learn what the scripture from Hosea means.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 9:1-8 (NLT) ~ Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus leaves as the towns people requested. Going through the learning circle, repent & believe. Jesus addresses what is important, the sin issue in the man’s life. Jesus’ sacrifice makes the way for forgiveness, restoring us to the Father and empowering us to forgive the sins of others making a way to restore all our relationships.

Reading Psalms 18 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The description of the danger David was in. Starting with “I love You, LORD”, seeing David’s heart for God. The testimony of David’s life to God’s faithfulness, and provision. Always giving praise to God. We can rely on this testimony and on the promises of the LORD.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 8:28-34(NLT) ~ Jesus Heals Two Demon-Possessed Men~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Right after Jesus calms the storm, the disciples ask, “who is this man?” then demon possessed men declare who He is. The intentional trip across the lake. Jesus opening the eyes of the disciples so they can grow. Sometimes a couple seeds, sometimes the whole town.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 8:23-27(NLT) ~ Jesus Calms the Storm~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus’ instructions, the disciples were following, and the analogy for life. Jesus being the source of the peace that surpasses understanding. Asking to be saved while being convinced the end has come. Parallel of the Israelites in the desert and the disciples following Jesus across the lake. Having faith with an eternal mindset.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 8:18-22(NLT) ~The Cost of Following Jesus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The teacher of religious law having to give up the luxuries of life to continue following Jesus. Jesus giving a reality check. The kingdom of heaven is relationships. Everything is under the kingdom of heaven. Love lets go and gives opportunity for choice. His kingdom is not a destination but connection through relationships. Outtake after prayer.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 8:14-17 (NLT) ~Jesus Heals Many People~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. No one asking Jesus to heal Peter’s mother-in-law, Jesus just does it. God interacts with everyone a little differently as He engages people where they are. Wanting to serve Jesus, Loving God through serving others. Sickness or weakness, sorrows or diseases.