Scripture

Matthew 18-19

Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway

Observation

What are the four stages of reconciliation between believers (18:15-17)? How often are we to forgive offenses? Why is it so difficult for very wealthy people to become Christians?

Application

Do I follow the biblical pattern of conflict resolution? Do I allow earthly treasures to get in the way of my relationship with God?

Prayer

Pray today’s Scripture back to God:
Dear Father in Heaven, 
From this point forward, with Your help, I choose to obey Your Word in resolving disputes with others:
– I will forgive easily, but still hold other believers accountable in love.
– I will go to the other party privately first.
– If he doesn’t listen, I will take one or two others with me and lovingly confront him again.
– If he still refuses to reconcile, I will bring it before the church.
– If he is still unrepentant, I will disassociate with him, praying that he will eventually be restored to You, to the church, and to to me.

Keep me from ever allowing the treasures of this world to take precedence over the treasure I have in You. I ask all of this in the name of the One who gave Himself for me, Jesus Christ. Amen!

Pray to BLESS!
One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:

• B – BODY (physical health)
• L – Labor (their job or school)
• E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
• S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
• S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)

Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries:

• Mike & Jamie Haberkorn (Hannah, Sean)
• David & MaryBeth Hollander (Cole, Marcus)
• Bob & Peggy Hoover

Ministry:

• Chrysalis Women’s Transitional Housing

CLF:

• Pray that we would be a church that is dedicated to the breaking of bread, both in the sense of being devoted to observing the Lord’s Supper, and in meeting together for meals to fellowship, to deepen bonds, to heal offenses, and to end disputes.

Community: Pray for Nampa

• That city leaders would submit to God
• That people can find and keep gainful employment
• For sound financial management by city officials
• Salvation for unbelievers
• For the mayor, city council members, and public works officials

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God. – 1 Peter 4:10 (NET)