Jesus was confronted by the Pharisees because his disciples were eating corn on the Sabbath day from the field. This was considered work because they were plucking the corn from the ear. Jesus explained that He was present with them. He is greater than the Sabbath day. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath day and every day. It is important for us to remember the Spirit of the law. The intent is to bring people to Jesus. They were not to work, but spend time in the presence of God. Since Jesus was there with them - the Son of God - they were in His presence. The lesson: abide with the Lord.


I find it interesting that people are willing to destroy One who is doing good. Does it really matter if you don't understand their way? Is anybody's life being drawn to God? If so let us not argue with the work of The Holy Spirit. The Pharisees were so concentrated on the fact that Jesus did not do things they way they were accustomed that they missed the blessing of God in their midst. Let us not miss what God is doing by our dogmatic adherence to tradition.

Jesus made a very good statement "it is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days." It is always the right time to do something good for someone else. Then notice Jesus went out. As people followed Him, He healed all of them. Glory to God! It is always good to do good. Matthew quotes Isaiah concerning Jesus. Gentile simple means "nations." Nations have come to trust in Jesus. When we receive Jesus as our Savior, we move out of the "nations" category and move into "sons of God" category. Glory to God!

Again, we see others putting down the work of the Spirit of God. Jesus explains that it would be foolish for anyone to fight among themselves. It would produce ruin within their kingdom. He was operating with the power of God to bring deliverance and healing to the people. Jesus further explains to us that we must not speak blasphemously against the Holy Ghost. Let us agree with God and leave those things alone that we do not understand. It's safer. Additionally, Jesus instructs to pay close attention to what we say. He says we will be judged by the words of our own mouth. Let us keep the Word of God coming out of our mouth and be safe.

Now the Pharisees are asking for sign for Jesus to prove He is the Son of God - the Messiah. Jesus said plainly I will be in hell for three days and three nights - that’s your sign. They completed did not get it. Jesus told them He is greater that Jonah and Solomon; Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba repented at their preaching,, but those who were hearing Jesus were refusing to repent. Let us not ignore the preaching of the Word. Let us quickly repent of wicked ways and turn to the true and living God. Let us live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

Jesus acknowledged the obedient ones as His brother, sister and mother. We are in the family of God.

Matthew chapter 11

Jesus was continually advancing in His assignment. Once He finished one task He remained constant in teaching the people the Word of God.


When John sent his disciples to ask Jesus is He was the Messiah, Jesus encouraged him not to be offended. Based on Jesus' answer, offense can come because of the work of the Holy Spirit in an individual's life. John sent his disciples to Jesus after he heard of the works Jesus was doing. We must remember to rejoice when the Spirit of God is healing, delivering and changing people's lives. It does not matter the person He chooses to use.

Jesus began to speak of John in a favorable way. When an individual does not understand what we are doing we are not to put them down. We must speak highly of others as much as possible. Jesus plainly said that John the Baptist came in the spirit of Elijah. This was prophesied in the First Testament. John the Baptist paved the way for the coming of the Messiah. Jesus also mentioned that there are some people that will not be pleased regardless of what you do. They will complain about everything.

As Jesus spoke of the cities that did not repent and what would become of them, we should take this as a lesson for us. What happens to us if we don't repent? How many times has the Lord tried to get your attention through the Bible, the preacher, the tv preacher, a friend? How many times have you ignored that "knowing" inside you that you should change? Let us not go about our daily lives ignoring the prompting of the Holy Spirit for us to change. Let us not ignore the goodness of God in our lives. The scripture says it is the goodness of God that leads men to repent. Has God been good to you?

Jesus said the Father has revealed things to those who are humble. He continues that no one accurately knows or understands the Son but the Father and no one accurately knows the Father but the Son. Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus can and does reveal the Father to us. Jesus encourages us to come to Him for relief of burdens, troubles, stresses in our life. He ask us to take upon ourselves His yoke: the responsibility He gives to us. That responsibility is "love." Jesus says this responsibility to love is (as stated in the Amplified Bible) useful, good, not harsh, hard, sharp or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant. God does not intend for us to go through life with a heavy heart, depression or disease in any form. He has established through Jesus Christ for us to have a good life. Jesus is asking us to learn what that good life is and take it. I encourage you to take it now.

Matthew chapter 10

Jesus imparted the ability into His followers to heal the sick and cast out devils. This occurred before the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. How much more now do you suppose Jesus imparts His authority in His followers? He gives His followers power so that they can bring an abundant life to those they come in contact with.


Jesus gave them instructions concerning their journey. They were to receive the provision given to them wherever they went. Their responsibility was to give the message of love to the people. Anyone who did not receive them they were just to wipe the dust off their clothing from that town. Anyone who confessed Jesus at the Son of God, Jesus said He would confess before Father.

Jesus told these men that who ever received them, listen to them and believed it would be the same as that person receiving Jesus Himself. Today ministers that Jesus sends have the same authority. When a person understands that the minister is a representative of Jesus the person can get more out of the preached or taught Word of God, they can get more out of their prayer and they can get more out of showing them respect.

Matthew chapter 9

This chapter opens with healing. Jesus is still healing today. Jesus is a healing Jesus. Did you notice the scripture said Jesus was moved with compassion? He is still moved with compassion for us. When there is any sickness or disease in a body, Jesus is there to heal. It's all about what you believe.


I know that I am sharing insight in each chapter, but I would like to discuss how much I love Jesus. He healed me. I am forever thankful for my heart, brain, meninges and liver being healed. As you see, more than once Jesus has healed me. I have been in a very serious condition, but I continued to believe that Jesus would heal me. I was at a point that I could not remain woke, but brief moments, but I continued to be thankful that I was healed. The manifestation came, I was completely healed. I am very thankful. I intend to live out all of the 120 years God has given me plus some or the rapture, whichever comes first.

The other thing about this chapter I would like to point out is those who tried to plant doubt in the minds of others concerning the validity of the healing power of God present in Jesus. Today, some may do this same thing. I am encouraging you to believe in the power of God to bring deliverance, healing and a better life to you and those you love.

These people in this chapter received their healing by faith. Allow your faith to grow. Push the thoughts of your mind towards the love of God. It's all about love. God loves you that is why He heals you. Receive the love of God.

Matthew chapter 8

Jesus is still healing today. He is my healer. I have been healed in my heart, brain and from meningitis. Chapter eight opens with Jesus healing those who came to Him. Did you notice that each person that asked to be healed was healed? Some times people may think that God will not heal them or can not heal them. The scripture says He is the same yesterday, today and forever…He changes not. Jesus healed immediately; He did not even question them why they wanted to be healed or if they were free from sin in order to be healed. It is very refreshing to know that you can be healed. Ask; remember we learned that in chapter 7. Ask in faith and receive your healing.

Being a follower of Jesus means no doubting and no turning back. Those who follow Him must do so by faith. Do you have faith in Jesus as the Son of God? I do. I believe Jesus is the Son of God and our Savior. Ask Him to be your Savior today.

We can view the incident of the storm while they were in the boat as the situations we find ourselves in life. Notice that Jesus was asleep during the storm. Jesus is in you if you have received Him. He is calm because He knows exactly what to do to change the situation. Since He is calm you remain calm. Allow Him the opportunity to calm the storms in your life. Allow Him the opportunity to tell you what to do to calm the storms. Your attention should be on Him and what He is about to do or have you to do. As you keep your attention locked on Him the storm does not shake your faith.

The scripture says Jesus commanded demons to leave people. We will not debate as to whether there really are demons or not. The scripture says there were, therefore, there were. The main thing is Jesus got the people free from harassment, torment, shame, lunacy and whatever the demonic spirit was doing. Glory to God. Jesus is our deliverer.

Matthew chapter 7

Matthew chapter 7


Jesus continues His teachings. Why do people like to judge? I don't know if anyone has that answer. Jesus asked us not to judge. We simply do not have enough information and insight to judge the actions of another. We don't know the intent of their heart. We just don't know. Don't judge. Something you might want to consider, while a person is making a judgment, the other person could be in the process of changing or have already changed. Let us obey Jesus and not judge one another.

A number of people will say yes to "ask-receive, seek-find, knock-open." Prayer is so vital in our lives. We must get comfortable with asking our Heavenly Father for what we want. I have spoken to people who feel they are not worthy to ask or expect God to do anything for them. They are uncomfortable with asking for anything for themselves, but they will gladly make request for others. Shake yourself loose from those thought patterns. Ask for yourself. A natural father will do everything he can for his children. Jesus said your Heavenly Father can do anything and He will, just for you. Believe it. Begin right now to have an expectancy of God giving to you because He loves you and He wants to do it.

We've heard people speak of the "golden rule." How do you want to be treated? What do you expect of your spouse, close friend, fiancé, children, employer, employees and so on? Give and it will be given to you again. That is what Jesus taught us in chapter six. Give what you want and what you want will come to you.

Jesus shares that there are few that will actually follow the way to life. The passage way is narrow - it is not popular. Often individuals want the more popular, glamorous route to life, but Jesus said the route we must take is unpopular but eternally rewarding. Choose the way of the Lord in all of your decisions. You will be eternally rewarded.

Of course there are many teachers. How do you know who is telling the truth. The Holy Spirit is sent to lead us into truth. As you spend time with Him over the Word of God He will tell you by revelation the truth. Study the Word of God regularly. Tell the Holy Spirit that you are depending on Him to keep you from being deceived. He does His job well.

Build your life, business, ministry and dreams on the Word of God. As we learned from Jesus earlier, when you decide to make the Word of God first place in all of your decisions, you will remain in the will of God. Jesus' example of building a house on sand or rock shows one person who made a decision without the Word of God and one who made a decision with the Word of God. The Word of God is shown as the rock. During 2009 we have seen disaster, devastation, setbacks, failures and disappointments. We are expecting that 2010 is going to be a better year. Although this is just January, we are all hopeful. I say if you keep yourself obedient to the Word of God, if you study the Word of God, if you remain vitally connected to Jesus and the Holy Spirit for your comfort, help, guidance and direction, and make every decision based on the Word of God you will never stumble, fail, or quit.

Matthew chapter 6

Matthew chapter 6


Jesus continues teaching us the proper attitude in our giving. It is more important that we spend our time with our Heavenly Father talking about our giving rather than to people. Jesus is not saying so much that others can not know you give to others or charitable organizations, but He is directing us in our motive for making our giving known. Based on His teaching, when you boast to others of your giving the only reward you will get is the feeling you got from your boasting. Jesus said the reward is much greater when you give from a motive of love for those who will benefit from your giving. He says our Heavenly Father will reward us before men. The later type of reward is what we all would prefer.

There are so many views and teachings on prayer. In this chapter Jesus is asking us to pray with reverence to our Father. Again we must investigate the motive of prayer. He used the example of someone making long prayers for others to hear and building up themselves in others ear shot. Jesus said a better way to pray is personally with your Father. Communing with your Heavenly Father is an experience you want on a continual basis. Getting alone with Him and experiencing His presence improves your overall life. Jesus is not saying you can not pray publicly; He is giving us a guideline. The essence of the guideline is be sincere, speak in faith, reverence God, make your request and be thankful.

I must share the importance of forgiveness. Although it may appear that forgiveness is for the person that did the wrong, forgiveness is for the person who was wronged. Jesus said we are to ask God to forgive us in the same manner that we forgive others. We know we need God's forgiveness, therefore, we must forgive.

Fasting is a practice of eliminating distractions from your life to spend more time with God. Again, Jesus addresses your motive. Are you fasting in a manner for others to see? What do you want to gain from fasting? The answer should be answers, direction, revelation and insight. Motive. Why do we do what we do?

This chapter ends with a teaching on provisions. Jesus said we should seek, research, investigate and find out about the Kingdom of God and how it operates. This will attract all things to us. We know things will come to us because He began by asking why we put so much thought on what we will eat, wear, (my adding) the house we live in, the job, our spouse and car. As we place the Kingdom of God as priority in our lives, the Spirit of God will lead us, instruct us and reveal to us how to obtain the necessities of life. We will get some desires of life as well.

Matthew chapter 5

Matthew chapter 5

Jesus sees the need and places Himself in a position to fulfill the need. As He sat in a place to be found, those who were eager for teaching came to Him. Jesus did not ask them what they wanted. He did not say, "Can I get some privacy?" He taught them. Jesus spoke of the blessing. Some think that poverty, mourning, meekness, huger; pureness, peaceable, and persecutions are the only qualifications for being blessed. These were examples of things that people experience. The focus of the teaching was the blessing. You are blessed and the blessing will produce for you whatever you need. Notice Jesus did not say you are blessed because of what you have. He said you are blessed because of the situation you find yourself in. You are blessed. The situation will not eliminate the blessing from your life, but the blessing will eliminate the situation. Glory to God!

Jesus continued the teachings of the blessing by saying you are the salt of the earth. The blessing made you salt and light. The blessing on you is enough for you and for someone else. You are to take the blessing and go be a blessing to others. The plan of God includes all.

Change is inevitable. Some people do not like change. As Jesus taught, a requirement was presented for change. As you read the Word of God, I ask that you will read with openness of heart for the Holy Spirit to lead you into change. When you see that your life does not line up with or agree with the teachings of Jesus…change.

In this chapter Jesus ask us to come to a place of improvement in our daily lives. He encourages us to forgive each other, to love each other, to give to each other, to let go of fighting with one another. He asks us to become like our Heavenly Father. Although you may think that is not possible; Jesus would never have ask it if it were impossible. I agree with Jesus and I encourage you to become like our Father. Let us love one another the way God loves us. If He is in you, then you can do it.

Matthew chapter 4

Matthew chapter 4

Test come. So often children of God think they should not come. They come. Let us learn how to win when they come. Look at what Jesus did. God sent Him into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. God, on purpose, put Jesus in a situation of temptation. Why did He do that? I will say God did this so Jesus could see what He was made of. Some think God puts people in situations so that God can see what they are made of. He already knows. He wants the individual to know what they are made of. Have you ever done anything that surprised you? It could have been good or not so good. You may have been disappointed in yourself or proud of yourself. You learned what you were made of in that instant. When a decision is made to serve Jesus, the person means it. The test is set to find what is in you that is in disagreement with your decision.
In the case with Jesus' temptation, He consistently used the Word of God as His basis for each decision. Jesus found that He did know, believe and understand that every decision He made, regardless of how good the alternative decisions may seem, must be based on the Word of God. I encourage you to make all of your decisions based on God's Word.

Look at the love of God. Once Jesus came through the temptation, the angels ministered to Him. They built Him back up. When you come through a temptation sit in the presence of the Lord and allow the angels to minister to you. Allow time for your rebuilding, regrouping and encouragement. Then get back in the fight.

Another fight did come. John the Baptist, Jesus' first cousin was placed in prison for preaching the gospel. This would have deterred some from their mission. But remember Jesus had already settled in Himself that He would make every decision based on the Word of God. When John was imprisoned, Jesus continued to be led of the Holy Spirit. He left town. Some may have said that He disserted His cousin. Others may have said, "if He was a man of God…" Regardless of these things, Jesus kept His course with the Holy Spirit. He lived where God wanted Him to live and He preached, taught, and healed the people God sent Him to. I speak courage in you today. Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Live where He tells you to live. Help whomever He tells you to help. God will get the glory!

Jesus gathered helpers. Some call them followers. I call them helpers. The work of God can not be done by one person. Whatever God ask you to do require the assistance of another. Moses had Aaron, Hur and the elders. Samson had the lad. Noah had his sons. Jesus had his disciples. Look at those in your life. Some of them are there to aid you in fulfilling the call of God on your life, just as you are in someone's life to help them do the same. As Jesus and His helpers began to do the work of the Father, the word spread out one hundred miles away. People began to talk of the things Jesus was preaching. They began to talk about the healings. They began to come and see for themselves. As you continue to do what God ask of you, your fame will spread. It is not fame of you, but fame of what God is doing as you. Just keep giving Him the glory and all will be well.

Matthew chapter 3

Matthew chapter 3

We skip thirty years. Have you ever wondered why God chose not to write about the life of Jesus between His birth and thirty years old? I have. I will offer a supposition. The training ground (the 29 years) are not as important as the work of the Lord. Your past may not be something you want others to know about. Or your past may be something that you are proud of. In any event when you begin to fulfill the mission God sent you to the earth for, is the beginning of the recording of your life. So forget those things that try to bring you into condemnation. Forget those mistakes of the past. Forget those people that you thought did you so wrong. Let all of that go. Forgive them, forgive yourself and if you blame God for any of it, forgive Him too. It's time for you to work for Jesus with your mind clear and free.

John the Baptist was the person who introduced Jesus to the Jews. God always has someone to introduce a person to Jesus. Think about your life. How many times has someone talked to you about Jesus? It may have been a friend, a co-worker, a parent, a television program or the radio. Our Father loves. He uses every avenue possible to get you introduced to Jesus. Once you know Jesus for yourself, it becomes your turn to introduce someone to Him.

John thought it was out of order for him to baptize Jesus. Jesus said "we must fulfill all righteousness." The plan is still working. The plan of God must be fulfilled. You may have side tracked a little in your life, but the Holy Spirit will bring you back on track because all righteousness must be fulfilled. Righteousness is God's way of doing and being right. Yield to the righteousness of God.

Like John we think that Jesus does not need our ministry to Him. He is our God, our Lord, our Savior and He is our brother. We minister to Him in a different manner than John did. When we take the time to praise and worship Him we are ministering to Him. When we sit and read His Word as we are doing together, we minister to Him. When we still ourselves in His presence and wait for Him to speak, we minister to Him. Go ahead and try it. He will be so glad you took the time to be with Him.

The obedience of Jesus brought God on the scene. As you obey the Word of God, He will show up for you. In this situation God announced that Jesus is His Son. The glory of God seen in your life will announce to others that you are a child of God. Well rejoice…it's good to be in the family.

Matthew chapter 2

Matthew chapter 2

Notice how God orchestrated the birth and location of Jesus. All too often I have spoken with people who believe they were a mistake. No birth is a mistake. God has planned out your existence before you got here. Several times Matthew says "so that it might be fulfilled." The prophets spoke of the coming of the Messiah. They spoke of His birthplace and each movement of His living quarters. Someone spoke of your birth. Just because we don't know something doesn’t mean it didn't happen. God had someone speak of your birth, your ministry to and for Him and your provisions. You are here on purpose to bring glory to God our Father and share with someone His love.

Our Father plans what we need and who we need to come in contact with before He sends us. Notice Father provided money for Jesus after He was born. Just like He planned these things for Jesus, He has planned them for you. Your provision is locked into the vision God has for your life. There is no need for panic. Let the Lord know that you are willing to do what He needs you to do for Him. He will instruct you what to do and the provision will manifest. It's in the plan.

Additionally, the Holy Spirit led Joseph. The story could have been different if Joseph had chosen not to obey the leading of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit spoke to Joseph, he obeyed. Let us take a lesson from Joseph and quickly obey Him. The situation may not always be a life or death ending for obedience or disobedience, but quick obedience will always brings you rewards.

There is much to discuss in this chapter, but I will end with protection. God not only protected Jesus, but He protected Mary and Joseph. The angels, the Holy Spirit and Father were all heavily involved in the safety of the Seed that will bring many to repentance to the Father. There was not one moment that their safety was neglected. In like manner you are protected by the angels, the Holy Spirit, Jesus and God our Father. They are One and they are heavily involved in your daily protection. Rejoice…you have body guards.

Matthew chapter 1

Matthew Chapter 1


God wants us to know without doubt the lineage of Jesus. This is more important to the Jewish nation than to others. Matthew was showing the authenticity of Jesus's blood line and His heirship to Abraham. For those who are not Jews we can see Jesus' connection to Abraham and out connection to Abraham through Jesus. Also notice the obedience of Joseph to the Holy Spirit. He did not doubt the faithfulness of his bride to be - Mary. Joseph took her as his wife and did not come together with her intimately until after she had given birth to Jesus. We must learn this lesson of simple obedience

Reading the New Testament in 2010

As we read through the New Testament together I will comment on each chapter. You are welcome to comment or ask questions. I started this as a discussion board on my fan page "Ministering the Grace of Christ." So I will post the first week's comments here. Each day I will share on the chapter we read. This is the schedule for the readings:

Jan 4-8
Matthew Chap 1-5
Jan 11-15
Matthew Chap 6-10
Jan 18-22
Matthew Chap 11-15
Jan 25-29
Matthew Chap 16-20
Feb 1-5
Matthew 21-25
Feb 8-12
Matthew 26-28 Mark 1-2
Feb 15-19
Mark 3-7
Feb 22-26
Mark 8-12
Mar 1-5
Mark 13-16 Luke 1
Mar 8-12
Luke 2-6
Mar 15-19
Luke 7-11
Mar 22-26
Luke 12-16
Mar 29-Apr2
Luke 17-21
Apr 5-9
Luke 22-24 John 1-2
Apr 12-16
John 3-7
Apr 19-23
John 8-12
Apr 26-30
John 13-17
May 3-7
John 18-21 Acts 1
May 10-14
Acts 2-6
May 17-21
Acts 7-11
May 24-28
Acts 12-16
May 31-Jun 4
Acts 17-21
Jun 7-11
Acts 22-26
Jun 14-18
Acts 27-28 Romans 1-3
Jun 21-25
Romans 4-8
Jun 28-Jul 2
Romans 9-13
Jul 5-9
Romans 14-16 I Corinthians 1-2
Jul 12-16
I Corinthians 3-7
Jul 19-23
I Corinthians 8-12
Jul 26-30
I Corinthians 13-17
Aug 2-6
I Corinthians 18 2 Corinthians 1-4
Aug 9-13
2 Corinthians 5-9
Aug 16-20
2 Corinthians 10-13 Galatians 1
Aug 23-27
Galatians 2-6
Aug 30-Sept 3
Ephisians 1-5
Sept 6-10
Ephesians 6 Philippians 1-4
Sept 13-17
Colossians 1-4 I Thessalonians 1
Sept 20-24
I Thessalonians 2-5
Sept 27-Oct 1
2 Thessalonians 1-3 I Timothy 1-2
Oct 4-8
I Timothy 3-6 2 Timothy 1
Oct 11-15
2 Timothy 2-4 Titus 1-2
Oct 18-22
Titus 3 Philemon 1 Hebrews 1-3
Oct 25-29
Hebrews 4-8
Nov 1-5
Hebrews 9-13
Nov 8-12
James 1-5
Nov 15-19
I Peter 1-5
Nov 22-26
2 Peter 1-3 I John 1-3
Nov 20 -Dec 3
I John 4-5 2 John 3 John Jude
Dec 6-10
Revelation 1-6
Dec 13-17
Revelation 7-12
Dec 20-24
Revelation 13-17
Dec 27-31
Revelation 18-22