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.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 8:5-13 (NLT) ~The Faith of the Roman Officer~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. You can amaze God with your faith. The roman officer recognized the authority of Jesus. Jesus’ critics judging if Jesus was worthy, and the officer coming in humility. The officer recognized the authority Jesus had was a different authority than the political authority of the world. The Word of God is the authority.

Reading from The Gospel According Matthew 8:1-6 (NLT) ~Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The compassion and love of Jesus as He approaches the man with Leprosy. The example we are supposed to follow. Pressing into relationships with people who are receptive to the Gospel. God wants us to come as we are. Outside sores and the internal sores are healed by Jesus. Outside sores keep people away from you, inside sores keep you away people.

Reading Psalms 17 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Throughout the bible life was not necessarily easy for those whose hearts are for God. God seeing what people cannot. Submitting our thoughts to Jesus, testing them against scripture. 2 Cor. 10:5. It is what we do with our thoughts that matters. The intentional effort and determination to keep eyes focused on Jesus. I will see you when I awake.