DAILY READING John 8:31-32 REFLECTION Staying Connected to Jesus By Todd Marti The last few days’ readings ( John Chapter 7  and most of 8 ) involved a lot of conflict. Jesus was harshly attacked. His followers must have been dismayed and unsure how to respond.  Jesus told them to draw near to Him amid that controversy. More specifically, He told them to believe, follow Him, and hold to His teaching. John 7:38 ; 8:12 ; 8:31-23 . We see similar dynamics in today’s world; Jesus and His gospel...

DAILY READING Matthew 9:27-31 REFLECTION Some Dynamics of Healing By Todd Marti This week’s readings mostly focused on Jesus’ healings. Today’s reading continues that. Read together, they highlight three important dynamics. First, faith is essential . In today’s reading Jesus asked the men seeking healing if they “believe[d] that I am able to do this,” and said that their healing would “be done . . .  according to [their] faith.”   Matthew 9:28, 29 (NASB) . We saw that component earlier this...

DAILY READING Romans 15:1-2  and 4-6 ; James 5:8-9  & 2 Corinthians 13:11   REFLECTION Relationship By Todd Marti Today’s reading continues to address a topic discussed over the past two days: relationships within the church. God wants the church to be a delivery system for His love. But, because it is made up of imperfect people, conflicts and social awkwardness sometimes impede that.  These readings lay out some principles for getting past those impediments. Thursday’s reading, particularly...