Matthew 22:1-3

Clear communication is a goal that we pursue but do not always achieve. Some inhibiting factors are incorrect reception, muddled messages, misunderstanding, false assumptions, poor body language, allowing our emotions to interfere, and not listening to what the other person is saying. It’s important to remind ourselves of the practice of effective verbal and non-verbal communication, especially as it relates to a healthy marriage.

Christmas for many of us is a time of celebration and community, but for others it can be a time of loneliness and pain. This week Jon Owen (Pastor and CEO of Wayside Chapel, Sydney) reflects on the radical life of Jesus – a life defined by love and a heart for the oppressed and marginalised. There is hope, and we have a part to play.

This plan is to encourage people that there is still power when we speak the name of Jesus over people. He can heal the parts of them they think are impossible. He still heals people physically. He still heals marriages. He still breaks addictions. He still frees people from anxiety and depression. There is still power in His name. Speak the name of Jesus.

Matthew writes to God’s people and walks them on a journey that will take them from where they are to be Disciple Makers. This is 21 of 27 devotional plans walking us through the book of Matthew.  In this portion, Jesus comes into the Temple—and deals with challenges to His authority and attempts to trick Him into saying something wrong. They fail!