First Fifteen

Have you ever wished that you could see an actual miracle in action?  Jesus walked on water, and when Peter sees that he wants to join Jesus and be part of the miracle.  Peter manages to get out of the boat and go see Jesus on the water before the wind and waves made a bigger impression on Peter.  How do *we* walk in bold faith today? 

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 14:22-36.  Jesus has fed 5,000 plus people, and he spent most of the night in prayer.  Now he goes to his disciples by walking on the water and soon enough, his disciple Simon Peter wants to join him out on the water.  He gets out of the boat and actually walks on the water!   After a moment he gets scared and starts to doubt and then he starts to sink.  Faith can stumble at times.  Fix your eyes on Jesus if you want to see the impossible happen. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow/subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of  book 3 of Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

Do you ever wonder why God didn't launch his kingdom or the church with a little more...splash or an impressive debut?  Trumpets, clouds parting, a single beam from heaven becoming an intense burst of light, a deafening chorus of angels...you get the point.  Come to think of it, something like that took place in fields outside of Bethlehem, but the only audience was a group of shepherds.  Jesus addresses the nature of God's kingdom today in two short parables, and he speaks to this very issue. 

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 13:31-35.  After the parable of the soils and the weeds, Jesus points to the paradox of how God chooses to start his kingdom.  Not with fanfare, a lightshow, an awe-inspiring angel chorus, but in a tiny and obscure way that would be easy to miss.  Mustard seed...and yeast.  Tiny and unimpressive symbols that produce something unexpected compared to their humble beginnings.  That's the way God works, and it humbles us with our big egos and vanity.  Sure God could stage a more impressive debut, but then we would miss something important he is trying to teach us, something that will touch our hearts. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

Have you ever wrestled to understood something difficult to figure out, only to later look back and wonder why you didn't see what is now obvious to you?  Our understanding is like that.  A lot depends on our mindset or attitude, and at a deeper level it depends on what Jesus calls our heart.  If our attitude, mindset and general receptiveness is open, we can learn and take in a lot.  If we are closed, it's going to be hard to learn anything!  So how much do you understand the essence of Jesus' message that he is introducing?

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 13:18-23.  Jesus explains to his closest followers what the parable of the soils means and how it holds the key to understanding the rest of his teaching.  If your heart is closed off and not receptive like the good soil, none of Jesus' other teachings are going to make a lasting difference in your life.   The truth of his message, like the seed of the sower, remains consistent, but the receptiveness of your heart, like the soil conditions, determines what will grow and how much.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

Why do some seem so receptive to what God is doing and his message while others are resistant or just non-committal?  Jesus likens the response to different soils that yield different results.  Listen to learn from Jesus what kind of condition your own heart is in.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 13:1-17.  The third major teaching block in Matthew's gospel features one of Jesus' signature parables or teaching stories about different soils.  Jesus explains to his closest followers that he uses this indirect way of teaching in order to reveal what is in the heart of his listeners.  The kingdom of God is not coercive or violent; it works indirectly and organically like seed in the soil of human hearts.  As in the last episode, the state of the human heart is Jesus' main concern. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

How do you handle conflict?  Stand and fight, run and hide, or something else?  We learn from Jesus that sometimes retreating further isn't an option.  Neither is fighting someone on their level.  God's servant only faces conflict by the Spirit of God who is always ready to give us the right thing to say (when we have to speak).

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 12:22-32.  Jesus continues his healing ministry then answers his opponents who slander him.  They claim he drives out demons by Satan's power, and Jesus responds that any house divided against itself can't stand.  God is forgiving of sin, but if someone can look straight at the work of God and call it the work of the devil, their own perversity will cut them off from turning to God for forgiveness. 

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

You can also plan ahead and get Book 4 (Matthew 22-28) as an Easter gift for someone or as a Lent devotional:  Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel - Book 4

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

Conflict and opposition.  We don't enjoy these things, especially when it directly involves us.  Jesus is facing mounting opposition and even conspiracies to murder him.  How he deals with it in today's reading is instructive for us in dealing with opponents and managing conflict.

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 12:15-21.  Jesus shows us how he dealt with rising opposition and found his true identity in the scripture and what God the Father said about him.  His example shows us how to find our identity in God's truth.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

Do you feel stressed or tired?  Are you feeling the need for rest?  Jesus has a prayer just for you!  Today you'll get to see what is on the Father's heart and how Jesus' way is so different from the world's way of high-pressure activity.     

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 11:25-31.  Jesus prays to his Father spontaneously and reveals that God's way is different from human wisdom.  In fact, Jesus wants to lighten our load, not lay more on us.  If you feel burdened, let him teach you about his way that leads to greater faith and seeing God work out his plans before your eyes.

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

God wants to promote you and give you greater responsibility.  Are you ready for it?  He will give you authority...to serve.  The Kingdom is about carrying out God's will and being humble, not inflating ourselves so we can lord it over others.   

If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 10:1-16.  Jesus sends out his followers on a special mission to take the kingdom into each corner of Galilee.  His charge to them is to travel light and trust in God to provide.                      

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of the book Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen. 

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

Do you feel like you are going from one small crisis to the next and everyone needs something from you?  That's what Jesus is experiencing in our reading today.  It's tempting to retreat, to withdraw and shut out the demands.  Jesus shows us another way.   
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 9:27-31.  Crowds of people are following Jesus, his opponents are looking to find his weak spot, and countless people seek healing from him.  Two blind men are featured today, and their prayer is a simple one:  “Have mercy on us, Son of David.”  David was the great king of Israel’s past and Matthew has already established Jesus' link to him earlier in the gospel.  How ironic in today’s reading that the first ones in Israel to see Jesus’ true identity are blind men!  The King who is bringing the kingdom also shows mercy to the blind and gives them sight.       

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of book 2 - Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show

Who do you think Jesus chose to spend time with during his ministry on earth?  Did he ally himself with the spiritual leaders, the religious teachers and influencers of his day?  We get to see today who he approached and where he found willing followers. 
 
If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.

Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way.  This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.

In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day.  What a perfect way to get started!

The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 9:9-13.  Jesus has been busy, a lot of coming and going around Lake Galilee.  We get to meet someone special in today's reading.  This man is a tax collector and the religious leaders counted people like him as "sinners", people to be avoided.  Jesus makes friends with him and catches criticism from the Pharisees for it.  Jesus emphasizes an important point: he came to reach sinners and outsiders, to be a doctor to the sick, not to gain the respect of religious leaders.  If he hadn't done that, we wouldn't have Matthew's gospel, because that tax collector was Matthew!                       

Go ahead and get started listening and follow or subscribe to this podcast to hear more from God's word.  You can also watch this as a video podcast on Youtube at the Word of Prayer channel

Get a copy of book 2 - Journey with Jesus: Praying Your Way through Matthew's Gospel on Amazon (or ebook)

Download the helpsheet that details and demonstrates the four step process we use on First Fifteen.

Additional resources at the Word of Prayer website https://word-of-prayer.com

Support the show