Day #5

Review

As you are reading through the gospel of Matthew, notice how Jesus conducts His ministry and how He treats people. He genuinely cares about each lost soul. You can tell that He loves them. Is this Christ-like attitude also in you?

Read

As you read Matthew 18-22 today tell yourself, "I will become what I read." Let Christ transform you into what He is. Search your heart for ways you need to become more like Christ.

Reflect

What would you do if you knew a fellow Christian was involved in sin? Would you tell someone else? Would you ignore the problem and hope it goes away? Jesus says you are to, "go and show him his fault, in private" (Matthew 18:15). This is your Lord speaking. Listen to what He says. If you know a Christian who is in sin, you need to lovingly follow the steps of Matthew 18. Do not ignore the problem. It won't go away.

The Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes and Herodians were always trying to trap Jesus. They tried to trap Him with questions about paying taxes, but He explained, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:21). How about it? Are you giving to Caesar what is Caesar's? Are you giving to God what is God's? The government usually gets your taxes one way or another, but is God receiving His portion? From your income set aside an amount to give to God in the Sunday morning offering. Your offering should be a response to the love you feel for God. Put some thought into how much you should give. This is another important part of your walk with God. We will talk more about giving later on.