Melissa Rightmire 12/31/24 Melissa Rightmire 12/31/24

Week Three

We are already well into Matthew’s gospel and have read a LOT about Jesus! This week, I want to challenge you to begin to keep TWO LISTS. One list will be things you learn about the character of Jesus and the Father. This list reflects timeless truth's about God. For example, when it was said about Jesus in Matthew 9:36 that He had compassion on the people “because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” What does that tell you about Jesus’ character? You might say, he has compassion on those who are harassed, helpless, and without guardianship. The title of this list is Jesus’ Character. And I just gave you your first entry!

The second list is about US. Who are we to Jesus? The title of this list is My Identity in Christ. Using the same story as above I might add to my list that I am someone Jesus has compassion for. Unlike the crowd who gathered, as a believer and disciple, I could write, “I am a sheep with a good Shepherd who takes care of me. I am no longer harassed, helpless or without guardianship.” Try to keep this list in the positive tone because this is who you are in Christ.

Two lists: Jesus Character and My Identity in Christ. We’ll add to these lists each day and keep them through to the end of the New Testament. I am looking forward to how we all grow in recognizing Jesus and ourselves in Him.

You can do this! Pray for the Holy Spirit to grant you ears to hear and eyes to see what He is saying. I know He will answer your prayer!

January 15, 2025 Matt 19 NIV, Ps 18:9–18 NIV
January 16, 2025 Matt 20:1–21:17 NIV, Ps 18:19–33 NIV
January 17, 2025 Matt 21:18–46 NIV, Ps 18:34–50 NIV
January 18, 2025 Matt 22 NIV, Ps 19 NIV
January 19, 2025 Matt 23 NIV, Ps 20 NIV
January 20, 2025 Matt 24 NIV, Ps 21 NIV
January 21, 2025 Matt 25 NIV, Ps 22:1–13 NIV
January 22, 2025 Matt 26:1–56 NIV, Ps 22:14–31 NIV

Melissa Rightmire 12/31/24 Melissa Rightmire 12/31/24

Week Two

Thanks for following along and making it to week 2! It is my prayer that as you read you are open to hearing what the Holy Spirit is saying. Imagine with me that when the Christian church first began after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, all the new believers had was the Apostles teachings and the Holy Spirit. The Apostles would gather people together in a particular location, share the gospel, teach them a little bit about what it means to follow Jesus and then they would move on to do it again. The groups of new believers had no choice but to rely on the counsel of the Holy Spirit to continue to grow in their faith. They would get an occasional letter from an Apostle, but they did not have the privilege we have today of being able to open a book and read the scriptures at will.

Is it possible for me and you to rely this heavily on the Holy Spirit to teach us? He hasn’t changed. His whole purpose is to counsel and teach. Once again, I remind you to pray every time before you read that the Holy Spirit will be your teacher. He will teach if you will open your heart and eyes to what He wants to show you.

Thanks for such strong participation in week 1! I love that so many of you are commenting on what you are hearing from the Lord and what is interesting or challenging. Let’s keep doing that!

I am praying for all of us as we read this week.