Matthew 16-22

Yes, it's extremely important that we put Jesus on the very top of our priority!

I found the first few verses in chapter 16 interesting, being a science person myself. Often times, we are too keen on seeking knowledge, and we choose to ignore what can't be seen. I pray that I'd always have an open heart for God!

When I read the part in chapter 17 where Jesus told the disciples that people can't recognize Elija and the Son of Man, I am once again reminded the misery of the Isrealites, and my heart ache that they refuse to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah and suffer greatly as a result. ;__; We need to pray for them!!

In chapter 18, Jesus warns of the severe consequences of causing another to sin or fall away from God. I pray that the Holy Spirit be my guide every step of the way so that I may never cause another to sin like this!

Another verse that really has an impact on me is 22:21, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." We should really watch ourselves. Everything we have are God's, and we should never steal God's glory and claim it as our own.

I'm having so much insights from a quick read of the Book of Matthew! God's Word is so wonderful! :)

Matthew 1-15

As I read through the chapters of the gospel and see Jesus healing all those people, I am moved by the great faith displayed by many of them. We as Christian preach about the importance of faith, but we often fail to exercise what we preach and easily lose our faith. Seeing those people, not even yet knowing God fully, with great faith really inspire me!

6:21 is a verse that we all know well, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." I didn't really notice the verses following this until I read it again. "The eye is the lamp of the body." Our eyes are indeed important! We need to be careful with what we see and what we place before our eyes.

In chapter ten, Jesus told the disciples that He "did not come to bring peace, but a sword." I used to be puzzled by this verse because I know that God is a loving God. When I read it today, I realized that Jesus was talking about walking the path of a Christian. The simple fact that we choose to be children of God is enough to enrage the devils. Being Christians doesn't mean that everything will be peaceful and happily ever after. We still have to face trials and temptation everyday, but the difference is that we have the Holy Spirit to rely on and that we're not doing everything by ourselves! Praise the Lord!!

15:11 tells us that "What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.'" As I happen to have an upset stomach today, I found this verse very practical. Yes, it feels awful to have your stomach churning like mad inside, but it's only temporary. But what we say do have an impact on others, perhaps even permanently. Gotta check what's inside our hearts and watch we say!

Sono mae wa 'kansou'.

Kansou is consisted of two parts:
'kan', meaning 'feeling/sense/emotion'.
'sou', meaning 'conception/meditation/contemplation'.

Tsumari, 'reflection' desu.

This will be my spiritual journal to record my reflections during the daily devotions.

Will this last? Yattemimasu~!!