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2024 One Year Bible Study | Reading with Commentary

Dear God, we are so incredibly in need of your power and your strength. We ask that you would fill us with your Spirit of love and unity among believers all around our world. We ask for your help to set aside our differences and look to the greater cause, the cause of Christ. Please help us to truly live out a life of love. We know that this is only possible through the power of your Spirit, so we ask that you would move across our land in miraculous ways, with fresh filling and awareness, turning your people back to you, drawing others to come to know you.

We need your unity and your love to stir our hearts and give direction to our days. We need your wisdom to guide us, we need your Spirit to lead us, to live out godly lives that would bring honor first to you. We thank you that you are always with us; and give us great purpose and hope. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Links to each month:

Feb

March

April

May

June

July

August

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

 

 

 

 

 

 Links to each day of October below:                          Back to January Click Here

Day 274
Oct 1

Day 275
Oct 2

Day 276
Oct 3

Day 277
Oct 4

Day 278
Oct 5

Day 279
Oct 6

Day 280
Oct 7

Day 281
Oct 8

Day 282
Oct 9

Day 283
Oct 10

Day 284
Oct 11

 Day 285
Oct12

Day 286
Oct 13

Day 287
Oct 14

Day 288
Oct 15

Day 289
Oct 16

Day 290
Oct 17

Day 291
Oct 18

Day 292
Oct 19

Day 293
Oct 20

Day 294
Oct 21

Day 295
Oct 22

Day 296
Oct 23

Day 297
Oct 24

Day 298
Oct 25

Day 299
Oct 26

Day 300
Oct 27

Day 301
Oct 28

Day 302
Oct 29

Day 303
Oct 30

Day 304
Oct 31

 

2024-Heart Dive 365 - 365 Days through the Bible in one year with Kanoe Gibson

An enriching journey through the Bible, meticulously studying each chapter and unraveling its profound wisdom. Extensive notes, insights, and reflections for every chapter.

2024 Reading Plan, Heart Dive 365 with Kanoe Gibson. PDF link

 

 Check out Heart Dive 365 website! heartdive.org link

 


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Day 274 Lk. 1 & Jn. 1 | Heart Dive 365

October 1

 Luke 1, Luke, a follower of Christ, details in his book to Theophilus the events told to him by eyewitnesses about the birth and life of Jesus and His apostles. His main objective is to provide evidence that these were more than just stories and rumors.

Zacharias is chosen by lot to perform the high priest duties and is visited by the angel Gabriel at the altar of incense. He is informed that his barren wife will have a baby despite being past childbearing age and is prophesied to prepare the hearts of the people towards the Lord. In disbelief, Zacharias doubts the word spoken by the angel and is told he will be mute until the day his child is born. His wife, Elizabeth, is overjoyed to learn she will be a mother.

Gabriel also visits Mary, a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph. He informs Mary that, though a virgin, she will become pregnant and be the mother of the Messiah. She travels to see Elizabeth, and they sing praises to the Lord for His kindness and blessings upon them.

Elizabeth gives birth, and when the child's name is declared, Zacharias immediately regains his ability to speak and recalls Gabriel's prophecy regarding his son.

John 1, John writes about the humble arrival of the Messiah, God made fiesh, and how the world treated Him when He was among His people. He begins his book by explaining the eternal existence and nature of God made fiesh, the Word.

He speaks of a man who was sent to prepare and witness to the people of the Messiah's arrival. He recalls many rejecting the Messiah, but those who received Him were granted the blessing of becoming known as a child of God.

John, known as the Baptist, explains to the people he is not the Messiah when they inquire of him. As he is baptizing one day, Jesus comes to be baptized, and John proclaims he stands before the Messiah. John objects to Jesus asking to be baptized but complies when He insists. John sees the Spirit of God descend upon Jesus when He arises from the water. John again declares Jesus the Messiah, saying that he was sent to prophesy his coming, and two of John's followers leave to follow Jesus instead. The introduction of Jesus' first followers is mentioned as Andrew, Simon Peter, Phillip, and Nathaniel.

SERVING IN DISAPPOINTMENT | Lk. 1:6-7

Both Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous before God and walked blameless. This didn’t mean they never sinned, nor did it mean they had no problems or challenges. They had gone their entire lives with the stigma of not being able to bear children. This was looked at as a curse in these days.

Yet they still faithfully served God through their disappointments because they weren’t serving Him for what they could get from Him. They were serving Him because of who He is and what He has already done. Heart Check.

Do you continue to faithfully serve God, even through your disappointment? Or do you only praise Him when He does something good for you?


PRAYER BUCKET | Lk. 1:11-13

I can only imagine how long Elizabeth and Zechariah had been praying for a child. And the angel reveals that those prayers did not go unheard, although it likely felt like they did for many years.

This tells us that our prayers are being stored up in heaven. I almost picture it as those vast buckets at the waterpark that kids sit under, just waiting for that bucket to be dumped on their heads at the ring of the bell. Our prayers are like water being poured into a bucket. And as long as we keep asking, keeping seeking, keeping knocking, that bucket will eventually reach capacity, and the blessing will overfiow.

But if we stop short, it may never tip over. Heart Check.

Have you stopped short of tipping the prayer bucket over in heaven? Is there something you have stopped praying or believing for?


SEALED LIPS | Lk. 1:18-20

Even though Zechariah’s unbelief doesn’t void the promise, it does rob him of the ability to celebrate and enjoy this incredible news!

They were finally going to have a baby and he can’t tell anyone about it. This is what unbelief will do. When we try to outthink God instead of coming with childlike faith and believing that He will do what He says He will do, that unbelief and cynicism will rob us of the joy of the many miracles and blessings that the Lord pours out.

And in a way, our lips will figuratively be sealed as we will then refuse to spread the Good News because we don’t believe it. Heart Check.

Are your lips sealed? Or are you celebrating with childlike faith that the Good News is true?


REJOICING SPIRIT | Lk. 1:46

Just as God is a triune God, we are triune beings, made up of body, mind, and soul.

The Bible speaks of all three, and here, Mary says that her soul magnifies the Lord, meaning she glorifies God with her thoughts, emotions, and attitude. The soul is where the mind and emotions are seated. It’s the part of us that makes choices.

But the spirit is the deepest part of our being, where the Spirit of God, love, and our purpose dwells. This is our very essence that relates to God.

So Mary is basically saying that even when her thoughts are out of left field or when she doesn’t “feel like” worshipping, her spirit will still rejoice because He is the source of her identity, her joy, and her strength. She understands that worship goes beyond feelings. Heart Check.

Does your spirit still rejoice and worship when your feelings aren’t into it?


HEARING | Lk. 1:62

We were only told that Zechariah would be mute, not that he would be deaf too. But here it appears that either these people are treating him as though he can’t hear, or he has become hard of hearing because there’s no outfiow of speech.

If we look at the spiritual implication of this, if we only gobble up the Word of God for ourselves, reading every commentary, watching every sermon online, going to all the conferences, but never sharing what we learn with others, we will eventually stop hearing from God because we will be so full that we’re no longer hungering for it. But when you pour out unto others, you will find that you will continue to crave His Word and His Presence. And He will continue to pour into you as well. Heart Check.

Can you still hear clearly? How hungry are you? Are you pouring out unto others?


SEEKING | Jn. 1:38

This is such a simple yet profound question: “What are you seeking?” The cookie cutter answer would be, “Jesus,” of course.

But if we really think about it, what are we craving? What is that one thing that we think would change our lives, that one person who would make everything right, that perfect job that would get us on our feet, that thing that is on our minds all day long.

Those things aren’t necessarily bad, but the Bible says to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, then all these things shall be added unto you. It says that all of God’s promises are yes and amen, meaning everything that we want or desire is wrapped up in Him. He is what we desire, whether we realize it or not. But seeking Him takes e£ort. Heart Check.

What are you seeking?


I SAW YOU | Jn. 1:48

This was definitely a compliment for Nathanael, because in this day, students would study under the shade of fig trees.

Many scholars believe he may have been studying Jacob’s dream from Genesis 28:12, when Jacob saw the angels ascending and descending on a ladder that extended from earth to heaven. But can you imagine how Nathanael must’ve felt in that moment? To be seen by this Messiah that he had been studying about for years?

But He says this to us as well—I see you. He sees us in the valleys, He sees us when we’re sick and broken, He sees us in our sin, and He sees us when we are righteous. And through it all, He loves us the same. Heart Check.

If Christ were to say that He saw you this past week, what would He have seen? Would it be a compliment?


 Deep Dive

 How do you see the link between the Old Testament and the writings of Luke? Why is this important?

Why did Luke precede the gospel account with his scholarly statement? What would it do for the following writings? Why is this important for our faith as Christians?

What is the GOOD NEWS?

Luke is a doctor—do you think it was di£icult for him to accept the virgin birth? Or did this persuade his belief and faith even more?

Consider the responses of Zechariah and Mary to the angel Gabriel. How would you react?

How many ways to do you see Jesus in John 1? How does this expound upon your understanding of His purpose in coming to earth?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank you for seeing us.

 As we seek your face today, we are so thrilled to be here with a greater understanding of your role and purpose in coming to the earth. It blows our mind that this was all playing out from before the beginning of time.

The plans were in existence. They just needed to be carried out, step by step, detail by detail. What an honor it is to be able to live in this time where we have evidence and proof of all of these words that were spoken and have come to pass. This gives us so much hope for what is still to come!

So I pray that these accounts by Luke and John today will increase our faith and belief that what you have spoken, it will be or even already is, as you don’t operate by the constraints of time as we know it. If you said it would happen, it has already happened in the future. Wow!

Forgive us if we have ever doubted the way Zechariah did. But I pray that this be a lesson for us to never give up, to never stop seeking, asking, and knocking. We know that you hear our prayers and that they’re being stored up in heaven. It may just be that one tiny little prayer that we say in our spirit that tips the bucket. So increase our grip today to keep holding on to dreams and desires that you have placed in our hearts. You will never give up on us, so we won’t give up either.

For those who are longing to have a family but don’t see any hope on the horizon, I pray that you will comfort them in the waiting. Help them to trust in your perfect timing and to find peace as they lean on you for strength that they cannot find within themselves.

Heal their bodies where necessary and remind them of the promise that you have spoken for a hope and a future, whether or not a child is a part of that or if it is another path that they cannot yet see.

Guide their doctors, Lord, and give them wisdom. We pray they will be instruments in your hands and will. But more than anything, may they rest in knowing that your will is perfect and good, and may they desire it above all else. I pray they will bask in the love that already surrounds them through family and friends.

May this be the prayer for all di£iculties that anyone is struggling with today. And may we always praise you in the storm, especially when our feelings aren’t leading us well.

For those of us who have the freedom to open our mouths and share the good news with others, I pray that we won’t shy away from it. We pray for divine appointments with people who need to be introduced to you. I pray for words to speak to them and for hearts to be prepared in advance so that they will be good soil upon which we will be able to plant seeds.

But up until that point, may we prepare the way for others to be able to see you, Jesus. When we finally surrender ourselves to simply live for you and to bring others with us, joy and gladness will follow suit.

I pray that we will have a Mary like heart that desires to know your Word and trusts it when it is spoken to our hearts. Even if it sounds crazy to the world, if you have spoken, it will come to pass. You are the God of the impossible, and we trust that you will do what you say you will do.

Keep our hearts humble so that when we gaze upon you, we will see how mighty you are and how you have done great things. You have shown us over and again how your mercy extends throughout the generations to those who fear you. Free us from pride and self-reliance, and teach us to always trust in your strength alone. Fill us with your love so that we can refiect that to the world. May our lives be a testament to your goodness the way that John the Baptist’s was. May we proclaim your greatness the way he and Mary did, never seeking glory for themselves but always pointing others to you. So we rest today in your unwavering love and plans that you have for us.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 275 Matthew 1 & Luke 2 | Heart Dive 365

October 2

Matthew 1, The Apostle Matthew begins by recording Jesus' genealogy from Joseph's lineage. Although not His biological father, it maps out Jesus' claim to the throne as the rightful heir of King of the Jewish people.

Joseph is betrothed to Mary, but when she is revealed to be pregnant, he contemplates divorce. An angel visits him in the night and informs him this is God's plan, and she is carrying the Messiah, according to prophecy.

Luke 2, Caesar Augustus decreed a census for all Roman Empire citizens. Everyone was commanded to return to their ancestral city. Joseph and Mary left Nazareth and traveled to Bethlehem to be registered, and Mary gave birth to her son.

Angels announce to nearby shepherds the Messiah's birth, and instruct them where to find Him. The shepherds worship Him, and proclaim to all who would hear of His arrival. The child is circumcised, brought into Jerusalem to the temple for Mary's purification, and He is given the name Jesus as they were instructed by the angel.

A devout Jew, Simeon, who was promised by the Lord that he would not die until he met the Messiah, encounters Mary, Joseph, and Jesus along with the prophetess Anna.

Mary and Joseph return to Nazareth, where Jesus is brought up and raised. When Jesus is twelve years old, they all make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Passover. Among all the crowds in the city at this time, Mary and Joseph lose track of Jesus. They locate Him among the religious teachers and leaving them in wonder with His questions.

 TRUST | Matthew 1:1-17

Fun fact: the name David has a Hebrew numerical value of 14. With fourteen generations listed here, each name has been chosen by God to be included in this geneaology that spans across 2000 years. The overall message that we see here is that God’s timing is perfect to fulfill His plan. We just spent the past nine months learning about these very people and how they all fit into the gospel. Most of the time, it didn’t make sense to those involved, but having this bird’s eye view, we should be able to say, “Wow, everything He does has a purpose!” Heart Check.

Do you see God’s hand at work in your life? Are you trusting that He has a plan and that the events of your life are fulfilling that purpose?


FAMILY LEGACY | Matthew 1:1-17

Secondly, I believe God wants us to see how He can use anyone, from the ordinary and unseen, to the evil and unfaithful, to the righteous and holy, for His purpose and His glory. These 14 families run the gamut!

But God is not an ordinary God. He breaks the barriers of what we think is normal. He forgives the darkest of sins. He reaches across the universe and beyond the borders to seek out those whose hearts are set on Him. It took 14 generations to get to the man after His heart, yet He still named the ones in between because they matter to Him. And so do the people in your family. Heart Check.

As you reflect on your family’s legacy, how can you see God’s hand upon the good, the bad, and the ordinary?


CRAZY OBEDIENCE | Matthew 1:24-25

 

When you know this story of the virgin birth of Christ, you can easily take it for granted and glance over the fact that this was crazy obedience on Joseph’s behalf.

His fiancé is claiming to be pregnant with God’s baby, but she is a virgin. That’s crazy talk! And he knew it! But God said to marry her anyway, and he did not hesitate. Heart Check.

Is there something that God is calling you to have crazy obedience in? Are you doing it?


ENCOUNTER | Luke 2:42-46

Some might ask how in the world did they lose track of their child? In fact, I used to be that judgmental parent until I lost my 3-year-old daughter in the middle of the Miami airport. It’s a lot easier to do, especially when you’re traveling in a big group like these families often would when they were making these treks to the festivals. Plus, Jesus was 12 and, as we can see, very mature.

So they likely didn’t feel the need to be helicopter parents, as they expected that He would obediently stay by their side. And, of course, just as any good parent would do, they immediately searched for Him, and the first place they looked was where they saw Him last.

If we ever feel as though we are lost or far away from Jesus, this is an excellent tactic—to look for Him in the place where you saw Him last. I know for myself that I hear Him best in the wee hours of the morning when everyone else is asleep. As soon as my household wakes up, my mind is scattered in a million di£erent directions, and I hear every other noise that drowns out His whispers. Heart Check.

Where would you look if you felt lost? Where do you best encounter Jesus?


SECURE & SUBMISSIVE | Luke 2:51

I love how Jesus was still submissive and honoring to His parents. He’s the Christ, the Anointed One, the Savior of the World! But yet He’s still so humble.

This is because He was secure in His identity and didn’t need to lord it over others or prove it. The more mature and secure we are in our identity, the less we will feel the need to let everyone know about it.

The other day, when I was fiying my drone before my son’s football game, the referee scolded me, telling me I couldn’t fiy anywhere near a football stadium. Not only did I have permission from the athletic director to do this, but I was also following all of the aviation rules I had to know to pass my test.

But instead of arguing my point, I simply said, “Okay, thank you. Is it okay if I land it here?” And that was it. I submitted to his authority as a referee, even though I technically wasn’t in the wrong. But if I were insecure, I could’ve quickly escalated that situation if I tried to put him in his place. But where would that have led us? Nowhere good.

I probably would’ve been removed from the game, and they would’ve had a bad taste in their mouths about our school. Sometimes, we just have to humble ourselves and submit to authority, as long as we are not led to disobey God in any way. Heart Check.

How secure are you in your identity? Do you feel the need to let people know they’re in the wrong? Or are you able to submit, even when you know you’re right?


 Deep Dive

 Why was it significant for Matthew to begin with geneaology?

Which person in His genealogy resonates with you most?

What references are made to Jesus regarding His name and identity? How does this shape your view of Him?

How would you explain to someone that Jesus is fully God and fully man?

How has your view of the humble birth of Christ changed from your traditional Christmas story?

Consider the responses of each of the people in these chapters. What can we learn from them?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, As we reflect on the wonder the birth of Jesus, we sit here in awe and gratitude.

 We praise you for the peace and joy that we have, even in the middle of a chaotic world. The goodness of the news has not faded, and the light of your glory still shines as brightly, if not brighter today than ever!

You have proven yourself faithful throughout the generations. From the beginning of time, through the life of Adam, across thousands of years to Jesus, and thousands more to us, you have shown us the divinity of your plans and purposes and the way they are fulfilled. We stand in awe of it, with so much gratitude in our hearts, especially knowing that you had us in mind the entire time. Thank you for sending your only Son, Jesus Christ, the Anointed One, Immanuel, God with us.

Thank you for doing so in such a miraculous way, that proves your power and mystery. Thank you, Jesus, for setting aside your divinity so that you could identify with us. There is nothing that we encounter that you didn’t go through, so we never have to shy away from thinking you don’t get it when we are struggling. There is nothing too small or too great for the likes of you.

Thank you for showing us how you can and will use anyone for your greater purpose. From humble servants like Mary and Joseph, to evil rulers like Abijah and Manasseh, to the unfaithful and foreigners. There are no barriers with you, for you created every single one of us, and should you choose to touch our lives in such a way that transforms our hearts to become fully committed to doing your will, you will redeem us. We are never too far gone, we have never fallen too deep, to be used by you. Thank you for that.

And thank you for the way that you have liberated women and pulled them out of oppression. We pray for your continued protection on your daughters and her identity, as the enemy attempts to blur the lines between genders so that he can put women back into a lower place.

But we know that wherever the gospel has gone, Jesus, you have lifted us up. So we continue to pray for those who do not have the freedoms that some of us do. Set them free, Lord. We thank you for the call that you have placed on our lives. Sometimes it may seem crazy to the world, but you will never call us to do something that you will not equip us to do.

So if there is great faith that is needed, give us a boost today. If Mary and Joseph obeyed, so will we. If they trusted in your plan, so will we. You are trustworthy, so may we not fear any of the obstacles or potential dangers that appear to be in our way. We know that you are with us, for you are Immanuel. Help us to see the significance of what you are doing in our lives and on the world stage. I pray that we will be like the shepherds who were quick to respond and may we have the courage to proclaim your goodness and the joy of our salvation to those around us. I pray that we will have the expectant hearts like Simeon and Anna, never giving up on hope, and always looking for you in all things, knowing that you will fulfill your purpose in its perfect timing.

Wrap us up in the swaddling cloths of your love, grace, and truth today, giving us that security that we need to maintain a heart of humility but also strength and courage to do what you have called us to do. Let your light fill our hearts and guide our steps. And may the transformation that takes place in our hearts be a witness to the world as we live in a way that refiects that love and grace that you pour unto us.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 276 Matthew 2| Heart Dive 365

October 3

Matthew 2, King Herod of Judea is visited by wise men who have journeyed from the east looking for the newly-born king of the Jews. Herod is disturbed by this news and begins a search for the prophesied king.

The wise men follow the star to Bethlehem and meet Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. They worship Jesus and present them with precious and expensive gifts. The wise men take another direction back to their land and do not return to Herod. An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, urging them to escape to Egypt quickly.

When Herod dies, an angel again appears to Joseph in a dream, telling him they will be safe enough to return to their home in Nazareth.

WHERE YOU’RE AT | Matthew 2:2

Even though we’ve grown up singing songs and seeing scenes of three wise men going to see Jesus on the night of His birth, the truth is, we really don’t know how many there actually were.Some scholars believe there could’ve been hundreds. And these wise men were astronomers, which is why they’ve taken such interest in this star leading them to Christ.

And that’s how God works—He meets us where we are. He’s always speaking, and we just need to open our eyes and ears. This is why you are getting so many football mom references this season. Heart Check.

Where might God be trying to meet with you?


PASSING THE BUCK | Matthew 2:6

The interesting thing here is that the scribes knew the prophecies and the Word better than anyone, so they should’ve known the magnitude of this moment. Yet they made no effort to go and see the Messiah for themselves. This is the danger of having head knowledge but doing nothing with it. They were like Monday morning quarterbacks, giving all their input but unwilling to do the work themselves.

It’s easy to sit on the sidelines and yell at the players. I have people all the time who tell me, “You guys need to do this and pray for that,” and my thought is, how come you’re not doing it? How can you be a part of the solution rather than passing the buck to someone else? Are you praying for those things? Heart Check.

What are you doing with the knowledge God is giving you? Are you passing the buck to someone else to do the work that you could be doing?


WISE MEN STYLE | Matthew 2:2-12

 

There is so much we can learn from the wise men's response. They heard about Jesus, diligently sought Him out, rejoiced, worshipped, and came bearing gifts. Yet this is almost the opposite of how many people approach God. It’s nearly as if they expect God to seek them out and prove Himself by blessing them with gifts before they will worship Him.

This is a self-serving worship. But we don’t seek out or worship God for what He can give us; we seek Him because of who He is and what He already did. Heart Check.

Are you excited to seek God for who He is? Does it bring you joy? Are you coming with gifts or are you coming empty-handed and expecting Him to fill your hands?


CHANGE DIRECTION | Matthew 2:12

 

No wonder these men are called wise—they genuinely are wise men. After they met the King of Kings and worshipped Him, the angel let them know that they would need to go in a di£erent direction from which they came. And isn’t that the case with us?

When we get saved, there are many areas in our lives where we must take a di£erent turn, about-face, or never return to. Heart Check.

How has Jesus affected the direction in your life?


 Deep Dive

 Consider the responses to the news of Jesus’ birth. How do we see similarities in the way people respond to Him today?

How does the faith and journey of the wise men inspire you?

How is God’s divine protection on display in this chapter?

What Bible prophecies are fulfilled?

What is the significance of Jesus being called a Nazarene? What inspiration can we draw from it?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, As we continue to diligently seek you, we thank you for shining the light for us to be able to fnd our way.

I thank you for choosing us and speaking to our hearts right where we’re at. You can speak through football games, through crafting, through song, or through the wind. There is nothing on this earth where you can’t be found. Thank you for allowing us to know who the true King is. Because we are secure in whose we are, we don’t have to try to fight our way into prominence or position. We trust you and all the plans that you have laid out for our lives.

Our stories have been written, and all we need to do is listen for the words that you have written about it. So may we be like the wise men who hear about you and earnestly follow after you. Continue to guide us by the light of your Word so that our daily walk always points in your direction. We adore you and we worship you. Oh that only the world would do the same.

And as the days draw nearer to your return, we hear of wars and rumors of wars, and all we can do is keep our hearts right, our eyes peeled, and our spirits in constant prayer. Protect us from the threats and dangers of this world the same way you did with Jesus. If we have to take an unexpected turn, help us to trust in that divine protection. I pray that fear will not hold us back from being obedient and immediately stepping out in faith when you tell us to. And if something seems too hard or too dangerous, we will find refuge in you, our Prince of Peace.

Thank you for helping us to grow in our faith walk. We know that growing requires change, so may we not get stuck in the same old thinking, never wanting to spread our wings or do things that seem out our comfort zones. Jesus you didn’t come into this world for us to stay the same.

You came to shake things us. So shake us up today. Move us into action. And when we think that other people need to do this and that, may that be a reminder to us that perhaps you are calling us to be a part of the solution rather than the question. Show us what we can do, even if it’s something small. Our calling may not appear as big as someone else’s but that doesn’t mean it’s any less significant. Look at Bethlehem and Nazareth!

They were small but they were perfect, and out of those two small, despised, and insignificant towns, came the greatest man to ever walk the earth. We never know who we will impact when we plant seeds. A simple encouragement may be the few words that saves someone’s life. We may be speaking to the next greatest evangelist. So may we never despise our calling and may we never try to pass the buck to someone else. Your plans for us are good and sovereign, and we will continue to trust in them today.

Thank you, Jesus, for coming to the earth. We are eternally grateful.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 277 Mt. 3; Mk. 1 & Lk. 3 | Heart Dive 365

October 4

Matthew 3, Many from all over Israel come to hear John the Baptist preach repentance and baptize. He rebukes the Pharisees and Sadducees for their lack of faith and self-righteousness. He prophesies the Messiah is coming to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Jesus comes to John to be baptized and fulfill the law's requirement. John protests the need for Jesus to be baptized but agrees when Jesus insists. A voice is heard from heaven, and God's Spirit descends on Jesus.

Mark 1, John the Baptist preaches repentance and baptism to the people of Judea and Jerusalem. Jesus comes to him to be baptized as well and then retreats into the wilderness, where He is tempted by Satan for forty days.

John is arrested, and Jesus comes out of the wilderness to preach repentance and the good news of God. Jesus gathers His first four disciples: Simon, Andrew, James, and John, the sons of Zebedee.

Jesus teaches at a synagogue in Capernaum and amazes the people inside when He casts out an evil spirit from within a man present. He also heals Simon's mother-in-law, those who su£er from diseases and demon possession, and a man with leprosy.

GENUINE FAITH | Matt. 3:4

I love this image of John the Baptist. Imagine this—after 400 years of silence, the man God chooses to break that silence by wearing animal hair and chomping on grasshoppers.

This was vastly different from the fiowing and decorated robes of the priests. But that’s our God—He loves to use the wild and ordinary. But I believe the greater reason God chose him is because of his genuine faith. He walked the talk and practiced what he preached, and because so, so many people fiocked to him and his teaching of repentance. He was a living testimony. Heart Check.

Do you practice what you preach? Are others attracted to your genuine faith?


BAPTISM | Matt. 3:6

This was nothing short of a revival! Previously, baptism was for Gentiles who wanted to profess their newly found Jewish faith publicly. But here, John is baptizing Jews who finally acknowledged their need to confess their own sins rather than waiting for the Day of Atonement and turning from their sin and toward God.

This baptism was a sign of both repentance and forgiveness. Today, Christian baptism goes a step further in the way that you are fully immersed in water, representing the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. This takes place after salvation, meaning if you were baptized as a baby, you should do so again after being saved, because it is a decisive thing.

Not only is it a public declaration of repentance and forgiveness, but it is symbolic for your old self dying as your sin is washed away, and you now become a new creation. It’s a renouncing of your old self and your old ways. So if you get up out of that water with the same heart and mind, you might need to dip that cookie again, because baptism without repentance is just a bath. Heart Check.

Have you been baptized? Is there a visible change of heart in you?


FRUITFUL TREE | Matt. 3:8-10

Here, John discerns the motives of the Pharisees and the Sadducees in the way that they are coming to baptism just for the sake of appearing religious. It’s all talk and no walk because they have no intentions to change.

They think that their heritage and religiosity alone can save them, but John is telling them that if they don’t want to be cut down like unfruitful trees, they need to keep with repentance and bear fruit. We are called to do the same. It’s not enough to say that we grew up in a Christian home or that we go to church. That won’t save us. Every tree will be examined for its own fruit. And the Christian life isn’t just about us and our sin. We are called to bear fruit and do good works, meaning we obey His Word, resist the devil, share the Good News, and serve others. Heart Check.

How fruitful is your tree?


BUSYNESS | Mark 1:35

I love how Jesus was probably so exhausted after a long work day, yet He chose to get up before everyone else and spend time with His Father. He didn’t do this because He was tired and weak. He did it because He knew where His strength for today would come from. He wholly depended on the Father for it. This is the opposite of what most of us do when we become busy. We say things like, “I’ve just been so busy at work and school that I’ve fallen behind,” or “I can’t serve or go to church because I’m too busy with sports and weekend activities.”

But Jesus shows us that hard work and busyness should lead us to the Father and not further away from Him. We will be exhausted at every turn if we treat Him like another task on our to-do list. But if we go to Him first, at the start of our day, letting prayer be our first words and praise be our first action each morning, He will renew our strength. You will find that you are more joyful and will have more peace because the virtue that is poured out needs to be refilled. No one knew this better than Jesus. Heart Check.

When you get busy, do you find yourself getting closer to the Lord or falling behind? How do you feel in your spirit as a result?


YOUR SPOT | Mark 1:37

I bet the disciples knew exactly where to look when Jesus wasn’t publicly preaching, teaching, or healing. He could be found in solitary with His Father. He wasn’t out in the crowds getting fanned over. It’s the same way with my kids.

If I’m not in the kitchen cooking for them, helping them with homework, or driving them to and from their activities, they know that if I have any downtime, I will be right here in this room. They know where to find me. Heart Check.

Where do people look when they can’t find you? What is the spot you are most often found in?


PURPOSE | Mark 1:38

Jesus did a lot while He was on this earth. He cast out demons, healed the sick, gave the blind sight, and raised the dead to life. Yet that wasn’t His main purpose. He knew that His biggest job was to preach. Because He knew His main purpose, He was able to stay focused on where to go next. Heart Check.

What is your main purpose in life?


OPEN HEAVEN | Luke 3:21

The heavens opened when Jesus was praying. We have that same direct channel to hear from the Father today too, but a lot of people won’t ever hear from the Lord, simply because they won’t come to Him in simple conversation. Heart Check.

Are you praying? Is heaven opening and are you hearing from the Lord?


 Deep Dive

 What does it mean to prepare the way today?

What external factors might people rely on today to prove their religious status instead of a relationship with Christ?

What is the difference between John’s baptism and Jesus’ baptism?

Why did Jesus get baptized if he was without sin?

What does the separating of the wheat and chaff symbolize?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your clear message of repentance today.

 Sometimes we shy away from this message for fear of appearing doomsdayish. But we realize this was the first word of both your ministry and John the Baptist’s. It’s a message that needs to be spoken today, for the further we get from you, the more dangerous it is for us collectively. Help us to prepare the way and present this message without potholes and boulders. We don’t want to be a nuisance or hindrance for people to come to you.

So I pray we will be the first to show others what it means to keep with repentance in the way that we live. I pray that our lives will look so different that people will long to know what changed us. And it’s always you Jesus. Give us the courage and ability to point them to you.

We pray for those who have not yet grasped this message. I pray they will come to you with a heart that is ready for change and open heart surgery. May we all turn from the things that are hindering our relationship with you. Show us how to make our own paths straight so that you can do a good work in our lives. And I pray that we will bear much fruit.

Jesus, you always gave us the greatest example in showing us how to live. Thank you for being so humble and always seeking to let us know that you get us. You always looked for ways to identify with us, and in being baptized, you showed us the importance of obedience and submission to the Father. I pray that we will follow your example in every area of our lives. Convict our hearts, and lead us to baptism if we haven’t already done it.

May your Holy Spirit wash over us so that we will be empowered to carry out your good work. Please fill us afresh and purify our hearts. Continue to guide us by the light of your truth as we seek your wisdom.

And Holy Spirit, we welcome your refining fire in our lives that cleanses us of all impurity and empowers us to be your faithful witness. We hear the urgency in the gospel of Mark today, so I pray that we will all be quick to respond to the quickening of your Spirit within us. Help us to resist all temptation the way you did, Jesus. But I pray that if we falter, that we will be quick to repent as we realign our hearts back to you and your will.

May we never get so caught up in the busyness of life and all the distractions that come with it, that we begin to move further away from you. We know that we will only find ourselves less fulfilled and more anxious, and that’s no way to live. You don’t desire that for us. You left us with peace, not chaos. So I pray that we will be like you, Jesus, in the way that you always got away to be with the Father. You were never swayed by the attention or the crowds. In fact, it was quite the opposite. The more famous you got, the more time you would spend in isolation and prayer. So may we be like that, as time with you restores our virtue and gives us strength for today.

May we be as bold as John the Baptist in sharing our faith with others. We don’t necessarily need to preach the way Jesus did, but if we live our lives refiecting your goodness and love, we will ultimately be that living testimony that can bring hope to the hopeless. So we lay down anything that is hindering our walk with you, and we are ready to move when you say so. But may we also live with humility and compassion as we reach out to those who may be hurting. Show us where our hands and feet can extend to help where necessary. And I pray that we never lose sight of our greater purpose by getting caught up in religion. Soften our hearts to be like yours and give us wisdom so we can carry out your mission and your purpose. May everything we do be glorifying to you.

 

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 278 Matt. 4 & Luke 4-5 | Heart Dive 365

October 5

Matthew 4, In the wilderness, Jesus fasts for forty days and forty nights. Brought to a state of starvation, Jesus faces three instances of temptation over the fiesh, pride, and lust. He finds Himself proved righteous before the Father and is nursed to health by angels.

Jesus hears of John the Baptist's arrest and travels to Galilee to continue the work John began. He preaches repentance and the kingdom of God before them. Four men begin following Jesus as His disciples, and He heals numerous people of their diseases and casts out demons from those under possession.

Luke 4, Before Jesus' ministry begins, the devil comes to tempt Jesus in the wilderness. He attempts to manipulate Jesus to provide Himself food and turn stones into bread, worship the devil to gain all the kingdoms of the world, and test the Father's love for Him.

Jesus begins teaching in synagogues throughout the region of Galilee and comes to teaching in His hometown of Nazareth. He reads from the Book of Isaiah, and those enraged in His town attempt to throw Him off a nearby cliff. Jesus continues preaching and healing in Galilee, including healing Simon's mother-in-law and casting out an evil spirit from a man in a synagogue in Capernaum.

Luke 5, Numerous people had come to hear Jesus teach. To allow all to hear Him, He climbed into a fishing boat and had them take Him into the Sea of Galilee. After He was finished speaking, He asked Simon to let down his nets to catch some fish. Simon objected at first, but then miraculously, their nets were filled to overfiowing when they brought them up.

Jesus gains disciples who journey with Him as He continues to preach and heal the people they encounter. The Pharisees and teachers of the law questioned Jesus' authority to heal and forgive sins.

THE EASY WAY OUT | Matthew 4:1-11

Jesus told Satan, "Do not test the Lord your God." He wasn’t going to bow down or worship anyone but His Father. Through these temptations, Jesus proved His divine purpose. He was showing us that He alone is worthy to be the atonement for our sins. Satan tried to get Him to take the easy way out, o£ering Him kingdoms and shortcuts. But Satan doesn’t really have control over this world—the victory has already been won through Jesus’ death and resurrection. The devil might trick us, making us think shortcuts are easier, but in the end, they lead to nothing. Heart Check.

Are you tempted to take shortcuts in life instead of trusting God's plan?


WHAT IS THE COST? | Matthew 4:18-22

It was such a simple command—"Follow me." Maybe the disciples had already seen or heard about Jesus’ miracles, so when He called them, they didn’t hesitate. They knew He was di£erent, even though they weren’t fully sure yet that He was the Messiah. The most remarkable part is they immediately left everything behind. It reminds us that there is always a cost in following Jesus. We don’t know what that cost looks like for you, but for me, it’s been job opportunities, career ladders, and certain comforts. It’s all about trusting God. We are using platforms like this to share His Word, just like Jesus used a boat to preach. Heart Check.

What’s the cost of following Jesus in your life? Are you ready to leave behind your old ways, comfort zones, or relationships that hinder your spiritual growth?


OPEN ARMS |Matthew 4

Jesus didn’t create exclusive groups. He welcomed the outcasts, the sick, and the broken. But in our world today, we often create circles that exclude people based on appearance, status, or even how spiritual we think they are. Jesus, on the other hand, showed grace to everyone, no matter their background. Heart Check.

 Have we created exclusive circles that keep others out? Are we extending the same grace to others that Jesus extends to us?


AUTHORITY| Luke 4:31-37

Every moment in Jesus’ ministry, from His temptations by Satan to casting out demons, shows us that there’s a spiritual battle happening behind the scenes. We can’t forget that we live in a broken, sinful world, and that there’s always a spiritual undercurrent in everything. Heart Check.

Do you have faith in Jesus’ authority over both the spiritual and physical realms? Are you aware of the spiritual battles happening around you and trusting Jesus to be victorious?


UNWORTHINESS | Luke 5:1-11

Even though Peter was hesitant, he obeyed Jesus, and in that moment, he witnessed Jesus' authority in a miraculous way. Peter understood his unworthiness and sin, and Jesus saw his heart. Jesus told him, “Do not be afraid. From now on, you will fish for people.” The Greek word for "catching" here means "catching alive," so Jesus was calling Peter to lead others to life in Him. This wasn’t just about Peter; it was about John and James too—Jesus was gathering them all for a bigger purpose. Heart Check.

Have you ever had a moment where you fully understood God's holiness and your unworthiness? What did that moment lead you to?


CLEANSING | Luke 5:12-16

Leprosy was highly contagious, and those with it were outcasts, living outside the city gates, cut o£ from society. When this man approached Jesus, the crowd likely parted, not wanting to become “unclean” themselves.

Jesus didn’t just speak the healing—He touched the man. Think about that. Jesus could have just said the word, but He reached out and physically touched him. No amount of guilt or shame can keep Jesus from reaching into your life and cleansing you. But just like the leper, you must be willing to come to Him. Heart Check.

Are you willing to come through the crowds, through your hardships, and lay it all at Jesus’ feet? Do you believe that He is willing to cleanse you?


COMMUNITY | Luke 5:17-26

Fellowship is a spiritual discipline we can’t a£ord to neglect. It’s so easy to isolate ourselves, especially with technology. But let me tell you, my spiritual growth didn’t just happen in isolation.

It happened on couches in living rooms, in church, surrounded by my sisters in Christ. Dishes were in the sink, babies were crying, co£ee in our hands—we were doing life together, crying and laughing as we dug into God's Word. These same women showed up for me when my husband was in the hospital. I came home to my laundry folded on the couch, including my husband’s underwear. These are the people who are going to break through roofs and lay you at Jesus’ feet when you need healing. Heart Check.

Are you neglecting the fellowship of the community, or are you seeking relationships that bring you closer to Jesus?

***I am not mocking our very own Bible study that is built on YOUTUBE! I am challenging myself and others to be doers of the word by practicing spiritual disciplines that help us grow deeper relationships with others and God. Not just Bible study intellectuals but to put our faith in action with others.


CHANGE | Luke 5:36-38

The religious leaders of the day couldn’t see Jesus for who He was because they were stuck in their old ways, thinking righteousness came through following the law. But Jesus came with a new message—His gospel, the good news. And it’s not compatible with the old ways. You can’t force new wine into old wineskins because it will burst. This fresh, exhilarating gospel requires a fresh heart to receive it.

And that change isn’t easy. Some people preferred the old because they couldn’t handle the new. It’s kind of like how things are here at Heart Dive. Some of you have been with Kanoe for a long time, and now here I come, and I’m different. My cadence, my tone, my style—it's not the same. And I get it, change is hard. But like I said, we’re on the same mission, and we’re growing together. Just as Jesus taught us, sometimes stepping into new things is hard, but it's necessary for growth. Heart Check.

Are you resisting change in your spiritual life? How is Jesus calling you to embrace the freshness of His message and move forward in faith?


Deep Dive Notes

DAY 278 | Matthew 4 & Luke 4-5


Matthew Chapter 4: Temptation of Jesus (Verses 1-11)

●       Tested in the Wilderness: Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness for 40 days, paralleling the Israelites’ 40 years of testing in the desert. While Israel failed and profaned God's name, Jesus triumphs, showing His divine mission and purpose.

●       The First Temptation: Satan tempts Jesus by suggesting He turn stones into bread (Matthew 4:3). Jesus, weak with hunger, responds with Deuteronomy 8:3 - "Man shall not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." Jesus refuses to prioritize His physical desires over spiritual obedience.

●       The Second Temptation: Satan then tells Jesus to throw Himself from the temple's

pinnacle, quoting Psalm 91 that the angels will protect Him (Matthew 4:5-6). Jesus answers with Deuteronomy 6:16 - "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test," recalling how the Israelites tested God in the wilderness. Again, Jesus rejects shortcuts.

●       The Third Temptation: Satan offers dominion over the world’s kingdoms if Jesus worships him (Matthew 4:8-9). Jesus rebukes him, citing Deuteronomy 6:13 - "You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only." He refuses Satan’s false promises, knowing His true kingship will come through the Cross, not compromise.

●       Final Victory: Jesus commands Satan to leave (Matthew 4:10), and angels come to minister to Him, providing sustenance after His fast.


Matthew Chapter 4: Jesus Begins His Ministry (Verses 12-17)

●       Ful llment of Prophecy: After John the Baptist's arrest, Jesus withdraws to Galilee, specifically to the land of Zebulun and Naphtali. Isaiah 9:1-2 prophesied this region would see a great light, and here Jesus begins His public ministry, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). This signals that Jesus has come to liberate both Jews and Gentiles from spiritual darkness.

●       Signicance of Galilee: Jesus’ ministry begins in a predominantly Gentile area, reflecting that His salvation is not exclusive to the Jews but extends to all people, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy.


Matthew Chapter 4: Jesus Calls His First Disciples (Verses 18-22)

●       The Call to Follow: While walking by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus calls Simon Peter and Andrew, saying, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Immediately, they leave their nets and follow Him. Shortly after, He calls James and John, who also leave their boat and their father to follow Jesus (Matthew 4:21-22).

●       Immediate Obedience: The disciples’ instant response emphasizes the radical cost of following Jesus—leaving behind their livelihoods and families.


Matthew Chapter 4: Jesus Ministers to the Crowds (Verses 23-25)

●       Healing and Teaching: Jesus begins traveling throughout Galilee, teaching in synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and a£liction (Matthew 4:23). People from all over Syria bring to Him those who are sick, possessed, and paralyzed, and He heals them all.

●       Inclusivity: Jesus’ ministry breaks cultural barriers by reaching out to Gentiles and healing them, contrasting the legalism of the time, which excluded non-Jews. This emphasizes that Jesus’ salvation is for everyone, regardless of background, race, or status.


Luke Chapter 4: The Temptation of Jesus (Verses 1-13)

●       Led by the Spirit: After His baptism, Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, is led into the wilderness for 40 days. The wilderness is often associated with refuge, testing, danger, and even the domain of evil spirits.

●       Scapegoat Imagery: Just as the scapegoat was sent into the wilderness carrying Israel’s sins (Leviticus 16:10), Jesus, the Lamb without blemish, is led into the wilderness to bear our sins and be tested.

●       Divine Appointments vs. Devil's Opportunities: While God allows testing to refine and strengthen us, Satan seizes moments of weakness to tempt us. Jesus’ prayer teaches us to seek God for strength to resist these temptations (Matthew 6:13).

●       Temptation 1 – Turn Stones into Bread: Satan taunts Jesus, saying, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread” (Luke 4:3). Jesus responds with Deuteronomy 8:3, declaring that man doesn’t live by bread alone but by God’s word. Here, Satan tempts

Jesus to prioritize His physical desires over spiritual obedience, similar to how Adam and Eve failed in the Garden of Eden.

●       Temptation 2 – Authority Over Kingdoms: Satan o£ers Jesus the kingdoms of the world if

He worships him (Luke 4:6-7). Jesus rebukes him, citing Deuteronomy 6:13, stating that only God is worthy of worship. Satan is tempting Jesus to gain power without going through the su£ering of the Cross, appealing to worldly recognition and pride.

●       Temptation 3 – Test God's Protection: Satan tempts Jesus to throw Himself from the

temple's pinnacle, quoting Psalm 91 (Luke 4:9-11). Jesus replies with Deuteronomy 6:16—“You shall not test the Lord your God.” Satan tries to push Jesus toward self-glorification and self-reliance.

●       Jesus’ Victory: After these temptations, Jesus commands Satan to leave, and the devil flees. Jesus is victorious through His unwavering trust in God’s word.


Luke Chapter 4: Jesus Rejected in Nazareth (Verses 16-30)

●       Jesus Preaches in Nazareth: Returning to His hometown, Jesus reads from Isaiah 61:1-2 in the synagogue, proclaiming Himself as the fulfillment of this prophecy (Luke 4:18-21). He declares that He is the Anointed One, sent to proclaim good news and liberation.

●       The People’s Reaction: At first, the people of Nazareth marvel at His words, but when Jesus challenges their expectations and reminds them of the prophets Elijah and Elisha, who ministered to Gentiles, they become enraged (Luke 4:25-27). The crowd’s rejection escalates as they attempt to throw Him o£ a cli£, but Jesus calmly walks away.


Luke Chapter 4: Jesus’ Authority in Healing and Casting Out Demons (Verses 31-37)

●       Teaching with Authority: Jesus enters Capernaum and teaches with authority, astonishing the crowds. A man possessed by an unclean spirit interrupts, and Jesus commands the demon to leave, demonstrating His power over the spiritual realm (Luke 4:35-36).

●       The Spiritual Realm’s Recognition: Even the demons recognize Jesus as the Holy One of God, acknowledging His authority, which prompts a refiection on whether we, as believers, recognize and trust Jesus’ authority in our lives.


.      Fasting and the New Covenant (Verses 33-39)

○       Old vs. New: Jesus explains the incompatibility between old religious practices and the newness He brings, emphasizing the transition from law-based to grace-based faith. This invites us to embrace change and be open to God's transformative work in our lives.


 Deep Dive

 Are there areas in your life where you hesitate to obey God's Word because it contradicts your own expertise or logic?

How can you be more intentional about surrounding yourself with a community of believers who lift you up in faith and prayer?

What “unclean” or untouchable areas of your life do you need to surrender to Jesus for healing?

How does this challenge your view of those society tends to reject?

Jesus calls us to catch people but reminds us that He alone cleanses and transforms. How does this shape your approach to sharing the Gospel—do you feel pressure to “clean” others, or do you trust Jesus with that task?

Are there any areas in your spiritual life where you struggle with change? How can you better embrace the new things God is doing?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link

Holly's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, We thank You for the powerful lessons we see in Luke chapter 5.

 Lord, we praise You for being a God who meets us where we are, even when we doubt or hesitate, just as You met Simon Peter. Help us, Lord, to trust You fully in every area of our lives, especially when things don’t make sense from our own perspective.

We confess that we often rely on our own strength and knowledge, but today we declare our trust in You. Like Peter, we lay down our nets at Your command, knowing that Your ways are higher than ours.

Lord, we are amazed by the way You touched the leper, not afraid of his condition, but willing to bring healing. We pray today that You would touch those areas of our lives that are broken and in need of Your cleansing. Help us to see that no sin, no addiction, or bad habit is too great for Your healing power. We come to You in faith, knowing that You alone can make us whole again.

Father, we also lift up our communities to You. Thank You for the friends and family who surround us, just as the paralytic had friends who brought him to You. Help us to be people of faith who lift each other up, especially in times of weakness. May we always remember the importance of fellowship and carrying each other’s burdens, knowing that together, we are stronger in You.

Finally, Lord, we thank You for calling us to be fishers of men. Give us the boldness and courage to share Your love with others, trusting that You will do the work of transforming hearts.

Teach us to be patient and to let go of the need to control outcomes, knowing that it is You who catches, cleanses, and calls. Help us to embrace the new things You are doing in our lives and to trust Your process, even when it’s uncomfortable.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 279 John 2-4  | Heart Dive 365

October 6

John 2, Jesus and His disciples are invited to a wedding. Early on in the celebration, the wine for the guests runs out, and Mary asks Jesus to help create more wine to avoid embarrassment to the bride and groom. After six pots are filled with water at Jesus' command, a cup from one of them is brought to the bridegroom, and he declares it is the best wine he has ever tasted.

Jesus rebukes the people conducting business inside the Temple instead of praying and worshiping the Lord. The Jews ask what authority he has, and Jesus responds by declaring He will tear down the Jewish temple and rebuild it in three days.

John 3, Nicodemus comes in the night to speak privately with Jesus. He acknowledges his belief that Jesus has been sent by God, and Jesus asks him to be born again. Nicodemus is very confused by the phrase "born again," and Jesus provides the spiritual context He refers to, which involves sacrifice and leads to salvation.

The followers of John the Baptist inquire about Jesus' true identity and mission compared to his own. John declares Jesus to be the Christ and that he, John, has only been sent to pave the way for Christ. John warns against all who deny Jesus's identity and work, for they will not be justified before the Lord.

John 3, Jesus and His disciples traveled to Samaria and rested in the city well. The disciples disperse to buy food, and Jesus converses with a Samaritan woman. Jesus asks her for a drink of water and proclaims He has come to bring everlasting living water. She is amazed when He accurately explains her living situation to her despite having just meant her, and he announces He is the awaited Messiah.

Jesus teaches His disciples about spiritual strength and duty. A nobleman and his entire household come to believe in Jesus as the Messiah when Jesus heals his dying son.

STEP BY STEP | John 2:6-11

Jesus could’ve done this miracle all by Himself, but that’s not how He works. He partners with us, and in doing so, our faith is strengthened through our obedience. Our growth isn’t dependent upon what He does but on what we do. And notice how He didn’t huddle them up like a quarterback and give them the entire play-by-play.

No, he gave them one step at a time, and they were obedient to the fullest. They didn’t sit there and question, “Why water? The people want wine.” They trusted that He had a plan! He could’ve and would’ve carried it out without them, but because they faithfully took each step without knowing what He would do next, the miracle was able to be fulfilled through them.

This is powerful. So many of us quit in the middle and stop short of the miracle because we can’t see the end. But if we trust in His plans and the fact that He orders the steps of the righteous, and we take those steps in obedience, He will work miracles through us! Heart Check.

Are you willing to take the steps without knowing the end goal?


BEFORE THE MIRACLE | John 2:23-25

These people only believed when there was proof; to Jesus, this was a superficial and shallow belief. When it says He did not entrust Himself to them, it doesn’t mean He forsook them or stopped loving them; it just means that He wasn’t going to try and prove Himself to them because He did not live for the applause and admiration of man. I believe God uses those who trust Him before the miracle in spectacular ways. His disciples were a great example of this; they dropped everything and immediately followed Him. They didn’t need signs and wonders to fuel their faith. Heart Check.

Do you trust God before the miracle? Or is your faith only fueled by signs and wonders?


SIMPLE WILL | John 3:23-24

John is living out his purpose in such a practical way. I don’t know how he was led to the Aenon to baptize there, but in his mind, it was simply because there was a lot of water there. Sometimes, I think we overcomplicate finding our purpose and never find it.

But if our hearts are aligned with God and His righteousness, so will our desires, and I firmly believe that our purpose is often connected to our greatest desires and abilities. For me, I love the Word of God. I’ve fallen in love with it since I was 12. I also love reading, writing, filmmaking, crafting, and public speaking.

These things come quickly to me. But look how God is using all of them to fulfill His purpose in me! If you haven’t yet figured out your purpose, first ensure that your heart is aligned with His, and then look at how He might be able to use the things you love the most to find His simple will. Heart Check.

Is your heart aligned with His? Are you using your desires and gifts to fulfill His purpose? Or are you overcomplicating His simple will?


TICKET TO HEAVEN | John 3

In the end, John tells the people that they need to show proper credentials if they want a ticket to heaven. It’s not religion, riches, or authority like Nicodemus's. It’s not being a good person and doing charity work. Jesus made it very clear that rebirth is the only way to have eternal or everlasting life. It is dying to the old self and being reborn spiritually by believing in Christ.

Believing in Him is not just agreeing that He is God. It is trusting in, having confidence in, and laying down your life so He can be lord over it. It’s becoming a new creation and allowing His light to expose the dark corners of your life so that you can be transformed from the inside out. Everything else is counterfeit. And it can only be done by the work of His Spirit in us. There’s no amount of cleaning up we can do to get it right if He isn’t a part of it. Heart Check.

Do you have the ticket? Have you been born again and transformed into a new creation?


THIRSTY | John 4:7-16

This was not a spiritual response, as the woman only thought about the material. At this point, she believes this “living water” will make her life easier. But we know Jesus speaks of the spiritual Living Water that brings eternal life. If we don’t drink that water, we will always be dissatisfied because we long for heaven. Jesus brought heaven down to earth so we could be satisfied while we were here.

No amount of money, success, or material will satisfy our souls' thirst. Only Jesus can fulfill. It doesn’t mean we won’t get thirsty—we will—especially when we go back to our old watering holes to drink. But if we thirst, all we need to do is go to the water fountain and get a drink! But it’s in the thirst where many people allow their spirits to wilt because they assume this Christian thing isn’t giving them what they want. But all it would take is returning to the fountain to drink again. Heart Check.

Are you thirsty (satisfied) in this life? What fountain are you drinking from?


CONFRONTING SIN | John 4:16-18

At first, the woman may have thought that He was telling her to call her husband so that this conversation could be a little more socially appropriate. However, Jesus was simply confronting her sin. Why? Because without confronting our sin head on, we will never truly be converted. This is why Holy Spirit convicts us, so that we will deal with our sin. It’s that light that He shines in the dark corners. But we know that the porch light won’t illuminate our homes until we open the door. We can call ourselves Christians and still live in the dark. Anything we try to keep hidden from Him is a barrier, as we turn our backs to Him in order to shield that thing from Him. Heart Check.

Is your door open? Are you allowing the confrontation or conviction of the Spirit to do a full conversion?


GENUINE WORSHIP | John 4:23-24

There is so much to unpack in these two verses, and we could spend all day on them. But in the context of this conversation, Jesus is saying that there will come a day when worship will no longer be confined to a specific location within specific parameters because once He leaves His Spirit to dwell among the people, they will be able to worship whenever and wherever they want!

But it still needs to be done in light of the truth, meaning there is sincerity in who and why you worship. It isn’t just a “spiritual activity.” Even within the confines of church worship, some churches only want to be Spirit-led in their worship, and others are so rigid that they leave no room for the Spirit. Jesus says both are required. He is literally looking for people who worship Him in this way. So if we ever feel lost, all we need to do is worship in spirit and in truth, and we will be found by Him. If you know the truth about Him, you can worship in your car, craft room, work, and even the bathroom! Heart Check. Are you worshipping in both Spirit and truth?


SPIRITUAL HUNGER | John 4:31-34

In the beginning of this chapter, Jesus sent His disciples to get something to eat because He was both hungry and thirsty. But here, we see that Jesus is suddenly full without taking a bite of any food! Instead, He was nourished and satisfied by doing the will of His Father and finishing the work. In our minds, we think that we will be filled when we receive. It was in the ministering or the giving that Jesus’ hunger ceased. That means that our Christian walk goes beyond church, prayer, and Bible study. If we truly want to grow and be fully satisfied, it’s going to come in the going out into the world and making disciples. When we live to fulfill the great commission, that is where the true feast is.

Heart Check. What are you doing to satisfy your hunger? Are you doing the Father’s will?


INVITATION | John 4:39-41

Here we see that one of the best ways to get others saved is to share what He has done for you and tell them to come and see for themselves. Two simple things—testimony and invitation. We don’t need to be trained theologians who preach or quote scripture to be e£ective witnesses! Look at me! All you need to know is who Jesus is, what He’s done, and where people can find Him. He will do the rest. Heart Check.

Are you leading others to the well? Are you sharing your testimony and inviting others to come and see?


 Deep Dive

 What significance does Jesus’ first miracles hold for you?

How might we have zeal for the Father’s house? Has it been lost?

How does Jesus still show zeal for His “temple” today?

What are some “counterfeit tickets” that people hold for heaven?

What was significant about Nicodemus’ interaction with Jesus compared to others in the Sanhedrin?

What does worshipping in spirit and truth look like?

What are the greater lessons we can learn from Jesus’ personal interaction with the Samaritan woman?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving us so much that you would give your one and only begotten Son. We believe! Thank you for the gift of eternal life!

 Thank you for being the miracle worker. Nothing is impossible for you, and we trust that whenever we lack, or whenever we get in a pickle, you will be there to bail us out. Sometimes it may not happen right away or in the way that we think it should, but we will simply trust that your plan is best. We know that you can transform any situation for the better and the best is always ahead of us when we are following after you.

I pray that we will have the unwavering trust of Mary. Knowing that every need can be met by you, all we need to do is come and ask. We don’t need to put our demands or the how to on it, because you already know what we need and how it can be accomplished. And you will do so, as you see fit, and in your perfect timing. Regardless, we will praise you before the miracle, because you’ve done exceedingly more for us than we could ever deserve.

And may we be faithful in the way that we take each step by faith. Sometimes you purposely do not show us what’s up ahead so that we will operate in faith and not fear. Your heart is never to overwhelm us, for you desire to remove burdens, not create more. Thank you for that. I pray that we fully understand this so that we have no reason to doubt when we can’t see further than the illuminated path directly in front of us. But we thank you for the revelation of each step that you do give. May we be obedient to fill it to the brim, never questioning or doubting along the way.

Jesus, thank you for showing us your zeal for your temple. This proves how much passion you have for us as your holy temples. You will not stand for people trying to take advantage of us or standing in the way of our worship. May we have that same passion in keeping our temples holy before you. Clear out anything that may be dishonoring to you and cleanse our hearts so that we can fully worship you with abandon. Purify our thoughts, desires, actions so that they align with your heart and will. And may everything we do be pleasing to you. I pray that we will always be a people who worship in spirit and in truth, never doing so for the sake of appearance or personal gain.

Thank you, Holy Spirit, for doing a convicting work in our lives, giving us the ticket of salvation by the gift of your grace. We know there is no other way to receive eternal life, except by being born again. Thank you, Jesus, for the redemptive work you did on that cross on our behalf. There is no better way to live than our life in you. We are so grateful that we have been touched by the wind of your breath. So as we continue to walk out this life here on earth, I pray that we will open ourselves up to the light of your truth so that every dark corner is exposed. We don’t want to be children of the dark. And while that exposure to the Son may burn a little in the beginning, it’s going to leave the most beautiful bronzed glow in the end. So transform our hearts from the inside out, for we desire to live freely without any skeletons in our closet.

So as we begin to step out in our new outfits and lead others to you, I pray that we never lose sight of our purpose. May we decrease so that you can increase. We were not only created by you, but we were made for you, so I pray that the moment we begin to try to take any of that glory from you, that you will humble our hearts before it gets out of control. You are above all, and the only reason we can even stand tall is because you are holding us up.

Thank you for the gifts and abilities you have given to us. There is nothing we can do apart from you, so have your way in us. I pray that you will continue to reveal to us how we can use every gift, talent, and moment in our lives for your glory.

Sometimes our purpose is right in front of us, but we overcomplicate it as we put our own spin on what we think it’s supposed to look like.

And thank you for the way you love the rejected, the marginalized, and the lonely. You meet us in every circumstance, whether joyful or devastating. You know how to speak to us through our circumstances and even our sin, yet you never condemn us in it. Thank you for confronting us head on so that you can do a transformative work in our spirits. When we finally open the door fully to you, heaven invades and wipes out the darkness and fear. We begin to see you for who you truly are and are able to worship in spirit and in truth. So I pray that for the rest of our days, we will drink from the well that never runs dry. And as we are revived, show us how we can go out and minister unto others. Set divine appointments so we can share our testimony and invite them to come and see for themselves. It’s in the doing that that we will truly be satisfied to the fullest as we accomplish the work that you have given us to do.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 280 Matthew 8 & Mark 2 | Heart Dive 365

October 7

Matthew 8, Jesus encounters a leprous man and gives specific instructions to immediately run and show the priests after He heals him of his affliction. A centurion pleads with Jesus to heal his paralyzed servant. Jesus marvels at the centurion's solid faith in Him.

The mother-in-law of His disciple Simon and all who came to Him with varying sicknesses and demonic possessions were also cured of their a£lictions. Imagining life with Jesus is a glorious opportunity, and some offer to join His close band of followers.

A storm calms the Sea of Galilee, with Jesus and the disciples in the midst of it. When they reach shore, Jesus casts out a legion of demons from two men, and the spirits enter a herd of swine.

Mark 2, A paralyzed man is lowered through a roof in hopes of receiving healing from Jesus. Jesus heals a man and demonstrates His ability to forgive sins.

Jesus teaches a crowd that forms as He travels, and a tax collector is added as another of Jesus' close disciples. Controversy swoons as Jesus and His men dine at Levi's house and when they gleam from a wheat field.

NO EXCUSES | Matthew 8:18-22

This might sound a little harsh, but Jesus isn’t saying that this man couldn’t attend the funeral of his father. We assume that his father is still alive because if he were dead, Mosaic law would require that he not be in public.

So Jesus knew the condition of this man’s heart as he said, “I want to follow you, but not yet. I have an inheritance check to collect first or other things I need to do before I fully commit my life to you.” In other words, he was making excuses, whereas the disciples dropped their nets and said, “We’re all in.”They didn’t care what it cost them. Heart Check.

 Have you fully committed your life to Jesus? Are you putting Him first or making excuses and saying, “Not yet”?

STORMS OF LIFE | Matthew 8:23-27

 

This word storm reads “tempest” in other translations and comes from the Greek word seismos, where we get the word seismology, which is the science behind earthquakes. The Sea of Galilee is a relatively small body of water, but it sits below sea level at the base of Mt. Hermon. When the cold air comes o£ the mountain and mixes with the warm air below, it stirs up these storms at a moment’s notice, and the waves can reach up to 40’ faces! It’s no wonder the disciples are freaking out!

But we see Jesus as fast asleep, meaning He ain’t worried about it. His peace on their boat should’ve anchored their faith. But they began looking at the storm as if it were more powerful than the Creator. We do this with our spiritual storms.

We quote the scripture that we are more than conquerors, that we can do anything through Christ who gives us strength, He who is in me is more significant than he who is in the world, no weapon formed against us shall prosper… but the moment the arrows start fiying, our blood starts boiling, we get a quiver in our voice, and we begin focusing on the problem rather than the problem solver.

We know the Prince of Peace is at rest in our spirits, so I imagine that Jesus says the same to us when we begin panicking: “O you of little faith. Why are you afraid?” Heart Check.

How do you handle the storms of life? Do you go straight to the Maker and problem solver? Or do you focus on the problem and panic?


UNLIMITED GOD | Matthew 8

In the end, we see that Jesus had authority over all diseases, over every evil power, and over nature—and He still does! We see how Jesus healed di£erent people from di£erent social classes and genders. We see how they approached Him in various ways, and He healed them through other methods—all to say that Jesus will work in whomever and however He chooses.

We cannot box Him into working the way we think He should. This was the problem with many of the religious leaders in this day—they were so deeply rooted in their culture and tradition that they stayed stuck in it and could not see the new thing that Christ was doing. They were limiting their faith! Heart Check.

How limited is your faith? Are you open to seeing God move, speak, and heal in new ways? Or do you truly believe He is a God without limits?


PICK UP YOUR MAT | Mark 2:11

 

Let’s take a look at this mat and what it represents.

This man has been paralyzed and bedridden for who knows how long. This is what he has been stuck to for the amount of time that this paralysis has struck his body. This is also the mode of transportation that drove him to the feet of Jesus. Jesus could’ve simply let him get up and walk out the door, but He wanted him to take the mat. While He never explains why, I believe it’s because he wanted the man to take authority over that old anchor holding him down. He wanted to show this man the power that he had over old ways of thinking, old wounds, old fears, and old habits.

When we encounter Jesus, it doesn’t mean we will no longer have problems; it just means we will carry them di£erently. We will be the head and not the tail as we pick up our problems, walk out the door, and let the world see where we came from and how we have new strength to bear the burden that once held us down.

And we can do that because Jesus is walking beside us, bearing the more significant load. This man can say, “I was sick, but now I am healed. I was a sinner, but I’ve been redeemed. I was held down, but now I’m walking in freedom. Do you see it? This thing no longer holds me down!” Heart Check.

Are you stuck to an old mat? Is there something that you need to take authority over and walk in freedom?


FLEXIBLE | Mark 2:21-22

Jesus declares that He is not here to patch up the old problems simply. He is doing a new thing! The Law was intended to point them to their need for a Savior, and He fulfilled that perfectly, so now there’s a new message, a new way to salvation, through the new covenant.

However, the Pharisees wanted to remain in their old religious ways, and therefore, there would always be a staleness in their wine or none at all because the fermentation change required would make them burst at the seams. When we become that new creation in Christ, we have to be fiexible in how He wants to do something in us that might be a little uncomfortable initially because we won’t be used to it. We cannot stifie what He wants to do by placing our rigid rules around His purpose and being so sti£ that He can’t mold us. Heart Check.

Are you being legalistic or rigid in the way you live? Or are you flexible and allowing the Holy Spirit to move in and through you?


 Deep Dive

 What significance does Jesus’ first miracles hold for you?

How might we have zeal for the Father’s house? Has it been lost?

How does Jesus still show zeal for His “temple” today?

What are some “counterfeit tickets” that people hold for heaven?

What was significant about Nicodemus’ interaction with Jesus compared to others in the Sanhedrin?

What does worshipping in spirit and truth look like?

What are the greater lessons we can learn from Jesus’ personal interaction with the Samaritan woman?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving us so much that you would give your one and only begotten Son. We believe! Thank you for the gift of eternal life!

Thank you for being the miracle worker. Nothing is impossible for you, and we trust that whenever we lack, or whenever we get in a pickle, you will be there to bail us out. Sometimes it may not happen right away or in the way that we think it should, but we will simply trust that your plan is best. We know that you can transform any situation for the better and the best is always ahead of us when we are following after you.

I pray that we will have the unwavering trust of Mary. Knowing that every need can be met by you, all we need to do is come and ask. We don’t need to put our demands or the how to on it, because you already know what we need and how it can be accomplished. And you will do so, as you see fit, and in your perfect timing. Regardless, we will praise you before the miracle, because you’ve done exceedingly more for us than we could ever deserve.

And may we be faithful in the way that we take each step by faith. Sometimes you purposely do not show us what’s up ahead so that we will operate in faith and not fear. Your heart is never to overwhelm us, for you desire to remove burdens, not create more. Thank you for that. I pray that we fully understand this so that we have no reason to doubt when we can’t see further than the illuminated path directly in front of us. But we thank you for the revelation of each step that you do give. May we be obedient to fill it to the brim, never questioning or doubting along the way.

Jesus, thank you for showing us your zeal for your temple. This proves how much passion you have for us as your holy temples. You will not stand for people trying to take advantage of us or standing in the way of our worship. May we have that same passion in keeping our temples holy before you. Clear out anything that may be dishonoring to you and cleanse our hearts so that we can fully worship you with abandon. Purify our thoughts, desires, actions so that they align with your heart and will. And may everything we do be pleasing to you. I pray that we will always be a people who worship in spirit and in truth, never doing so for the sake of appearance or personal gain.

Thank you, Holy Spirit, for doing a convicting work in our lives, giving us the ticket of salvation by the gift of your grace. We know there is no other way to receive eternal life, except by being born again. Thank you, Jesus, for the redemptive work you did on that cross on our behalf. There is no better way to live than our life in you. We are so grateful that we have been touched by the wind of your breath. So as we continue to walk out this life here on earth, I pray that we will open ourselves up to the light of your truth so that every dark corner is exposed. We don’t want to be children of the dark. And while that exposure to the Son may burn a little in the beginning, it’s going to leave the most beautiful bronzed glow in the end. So transform our hearts from the inside out, for we desire to live freely without any skeletons in our closet.

So as we begin to step out in our new outfits and lead others to you, I pray that we never lose sight of our purpose. May we decrease so that you can increase. We were not only created by you, but we were made for you, so I pray that the moment we begin to try to take any of that glory from you, that you will humble our hearts before it gets out of control. You are above all, and the only reason we can even stand tall is because you are holding us up.

Thank you for the gifts and abilities you have given to us. There is nothing we can do apart from you, so have your way in us. I pray that you will continue to reveal to us how we can use every gift, talent, and moment in our lives for your glory.

Sometimes our purpose is right in front of us, but we overcomplicate it as we put our own spin on what we think it’s supposed to look like.

And thank you for the way you love the rejected, the marginalized, and the lonely. You meet us in every circumstance, whether joyful or devastating. You know how to speak to us through our circumstances and even our sin, yet you never condemn us in it. Thank you for confronting us head on so that you can do a transformative work in our spirits. When we finally open the door fully to you, heaven invades and wipes out the darkness and fear. We begin to see you for who you truly are and are able to worship in spirit and in truth. So I pray that for the rest of our days, we will drink from the well that never runs dry. And as we are revived, show us how we can go out and minister unto others. Set divine appointments so we can share our testimony and invite them to come and see for themselves. It’s in the doing that that we will truly be satisfied to the fullest as we accomplish the work that you have given us to do.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 281 John 5 | Heart Dive 365

October 8

John 5, Jesus heals a man suffering 38 years from a disability as he sits by the Pool of Bethesda. The Jewish leaders have no empathy for the man's miraculous healing. They immediately condemn the man and Jesus for doing work on the Sabbath.

Jesus explains His relationship with God the Father does not permit Him to do anything outside his will. If Jesus can perform a miracle, it is righteous with the Father.He also provides clarity that the Father has given the Son all authority to judge and to bring life to the souls of those who except Him.

Jesus states that it is not enough for Him to declare Himself the Son of Man; they must take into account other sources declaring His deity. He challenges them to consider John the Baptist's testimony and what Moses and the Scriptures have prophesied. He rebukes their prideful hearts.

STOPPING SHORT | John 5:1-9

Tradition says that these invalids believed that when this brook would bubble up, the first one into the water would be healed, so it would be a mad race or competition at first sight of movement in the water. This paralytic was here with enough hope that the waters could heal him, but his hope stopped short of the miracle due to his limitations of how he would get into the pool. Jesus didn’t ask if he wanted to be healed because He didn’t know the answer. We know that Jesus knows our thoughts.

But instead, asking the man if he wanted to be healed was Jesus’ way of moving this man beyond his hopelessness and limitations by making him declare hope. Sometimes, we can limit God with our hopelessness. We say we have hope but will make every roadblock bigger than God’s ability to move them. Heart Check.

Are you stopping short of your own miracle because you are setting up limitations in your mind?


COMPETITION | John 5:1-9

Secondly, notice that Jesus didn’t go to the one who would win the race with his swiftness and ability to be the most outstanding leader. He went for the one who couldn’t even compete. But Jesus wasn’t interested in the competition. In fact, He took the man out of the race altogether and made him focus on his own journey. I believe we can sometimes be so focused on beating people or rising to the top, that we completely lose sight of our purpose as we look around at what everyone else is doing. Heart Check.

Are you focused on your own journey or looking around at the competition?


LIVING LIFE | John 5:24

Up to the point of salvation, we are perishing or living to simply die. Some would call this a living death.

But what Jesus is saying is that when you believe in Him and receive that gift of salvation, you are now living to live! But many of us, even as Christians, live for this life alone, and therefore, death becomes something to fear or dread because it means that everything we know comes to an end. But when die that spiritual death at salvation, it’s only the beginning of a new journey that has no end. We have something to look forward to for eternity! But it will depend on how you look at it. Heart Check.

Have you died so you can live? Or are you only living to die?


SEEKING VALIDATION | John 5:41

Jesus doesn’t struggle with this need to be validated by people because He only seeks validation from His Father, which He has already received at His baptism (Matt. 3:17). This is why He would withdraw when the crowds began to fiock. The crowd or public opinion didn’t sway him. He knew that truth would o£end people, yet He wasn’t afraid to confront them. He didn’t need a pat on the back or honor and He wasn’t worried when people would come at Him in disagreement. It’s the same way that our validation should come from knowing that we are a child of God who is doing the Father’s will. This is the only stamp of approval that will truly bring satisfaction and allow us to bear fruit. Heart Check.

Where do you seek your validation from? Do you need constant praise and approval from others?


 Deep Dive

 What are the greater lessons learned in the healing of the paralytic at the pool?

Why did Jesus find the man to confront his sin? How might sin a£ect our physical being?

What examples of legalism is debated today?

How does Jesus’ claim of sovereign and ultimate power show His oneness with the Father?

How might interpretation lead to legalism and division? How does this hinder the greater gospel message?

How can we discern between rigid legalism and faithful obedience?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, We praise you, Almighty God, the giver and sustainer of live, Righteous Judge, and Healer.

 Thank you for continuing to seek us out when we are in need. Just as you went to the pool of Bethesda, you show up when all hope seems to be lost and move us from the impossible to the miraculous. You meet us in our time of need and become our strength where we are weak. You heal all sickness and disease. And you take all of our weaknesses and fears and do not allow us to camp out in them. I love how you told these men to pick up their mats so that they would not go back to that place of hopelessness and despair. Yet they would be reminded as they now carried the burden with you instead of letting it anchor them down, that you are burden bearer. You have come to set us free. Thank you.

So we answer the question, “Do you want to be healed?” with a resounding, “Yes!” We need your healing touch upon our hearts, our minds, our bodies, our communities, our churches, our people, our nations, and our world. We need faith to come and replace fear or doubt. We need peace where there is war and anxiety. We need a renewed hope where we fear the ominious clouds that seem to be looming on the horizon.

I pray that when you o£er us the gift of grace, healing, and freedom, that we will rise up and not allow anything to hinder us from walking in it. Your grace is su£icient for all things and the authority you have given us to operate in is more than enough to not only sustain us but to lift us up to higher ground.

I pray that you will remove any barriers of doubt, unbelief, or hopelessness in our minds so that we don’t stop short of the miracle that you have already done. May we never limit your power or ability to make changes due to our own preconceptions or misinterpretations of your Word.

We ask for continued wisdom and discernment as we continue to seek out your truth. Protect our hearts from any false teachings, but I also pray against any division or disunity where there are disagreements on doctrine. Help us to stay focused on the heart of the Word and the goodness of the gospel. I pray that we will not be a roadblock to those who may be coming to the faith by spewing dissension, bitterness, or discord. Help us to lift one another up and always encourage, as well working toward the same goal of pointing others to you Jesus.

That’s our heart, so may we never lose sight of doing our Father’s will.

Please remove any competitive spirit that might be within us, hindering us from being able to focus on our own race. I pray that we will stay in our own lane rather than focusing on how we can slow the people around us down. There’s room for everyone, and if we stay on our path, we won’t need to worry about others. I pray that our validation will come from you alone, rather than seeking the approval of man. Thank you, Jesus, for the being the greatest example of this security.

And we thank you, most of all, for the gift of eternal life, that is available to all who believe in you. So we declare today, that we believe that Jesus came to the earth to die for our sins on the cross and rose again so that we could live for eternity. As we become that new creation, may we live as though we are living and not dying. I pray that we will be those lamps that refiect the brightness of your glory. May we be a beacon of hope for others in these dark days.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 282 Matthew 12, Mark 3 & Luke 6 | Heart Dive 365

October 9

Matthew 12, Jesus and His disciples face opposition against the Pharisees. They attempt to accuse and chastise Jesus and His men for not observing the Sabbath, but Jesus provides His defense for eating from the wheat field and healing on the Sabbath.

The Jewish people continue to follow Jesus, and the Pharisees again try to tarnish His name by stating He must be casting out demons by Beelzebub. Jesus again defends the name of the Lord, and chastises them for assuming He works for Satan and showing the true nature of their hearts.

The Pharisees demand a sign that proves Jesus is who He states, but are rebuked once more for it as Jesus speaks consequences for rejecting Him. Jesus' family attempts to pull Him away from the crowd of people.

Mark 3, Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath and enrages the Pharisees. News of His ability to heal and commanding power over demons quickly spreads and Jesus and a multitude of people begin following Him. He and His disciples board a boat and cast o£ into the Sea of Galilee to escape the growing crowd.

Mark lists the twelve disciples Jesus personally chooses to be at His side. Jesus' family believes He is having delusions of grandeur, and the Pharisees accuse Him of working with Beelzebub to cast out demons. He warns them to guard their hearts against rejecting Him and blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

Luke 6, Luke also records the Pharisees' rebuke of Jesus and His disciples performing acts of work and healing on the Sabbath. Jesus chooses His twelve apostles. A great multitude gathers around Jesus seeking to be healed and rid of their demons. While they are gathered, He begins preaching to the people and speaking in parables.

LOOKING FOR GOOD | Matthew 12:1-8

 

The Pharisees miss the heart of the matter because they are hellbent on finding what Jesus was doing wrong rather than the good He was doing. They completely forgot that the purpose of the temple and the Sabbath was to bring people together to worship God and to be able to rest. God is all about relationships, not rituals. The whole purpose of the Law was to point them to Jesus.

But instead of seeing the blessing right before them, they created even more of a burden. This happens today, too, where people sit in church and pick apart the worship team or dissect the pastor’s message by looking for holes and discrepancies. They even criticize people’s clothing or jewelry and end up missing the heart of worship and the heart of the message because they are more focused on people than God. They are looking for the bad and not the good. You see, what you set out looking for, you will find. There’s no doubt about that. If you are focused on seeking out the bad in others, you will find it because there’s evil in everyone.

But if you are focused on God instead of everyone else, you will only find good because there is only good in Him, and therefore, you will see the good in others. Heart Check.

What are you focused on? God and the good in others? Or what people are doing wrong?


GUARD DOG | Matthew 12:33-37

Our mouth is the megaphone or the guard dog of our heart. Our speech's context and tone will refiect what’s in our hearts. It isn’t just a copout to say that people who criticize, gossip, swear, or are combative have issues. Criticism, gossip, swearing, and angry words are the fruit of heart issues. The way we talk pulls back the curtain on our motives and attitudes.

I used to be quick with my tongue because I had a lot of unresolved hurt and insecurities from my past, and this caused so much friction in my marriage for years. But once I dealt with those issues, it was as if my tongue got a new muzzle because my heart didn’t need a guard dog anymore. And my guard dog was more like a ferocious chihuahua.

But now it’s more like a golden retriever. My mouth is used to glorify our God because that’s where my heart is fixed. It doesn’t mean I have perfect speech because my heart will never be ideal, but I can say that most of my words are for edifying and encouraging, rather than backbiting and criticizing like they used to be. Heart Check.

What kind of guard dog do you have around your heart? What does your megaphone say about it?


SQUATTERS | Matthew 12:43-45

The key word in this passage is “empty.” Whether we speak of an unclean spirit, a bad attitude, motive, habit, or anything else we rid ourselves of, the space they took up in our spirits must be filled in if we don’t want them to return.

If we leave the space empty, the devil and his little squatters will come back with a vengeance. When we become Christians, we get rid of our old tenants, and we now have a new landlord with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit so that no demons can come in uninvited.

But if we don’t allow Jesus to occupy the space where our old self used to dwell, then we are leaving a foothold in the door of our hearts to allow the enemy to come back and squat with all his lies. So fill your house with the truth of His word! Heart Check.

Are you ensuring there are no empty spaces in your house for squatters? What are you flling it with?


FOLLOWING JESUS | Mark 3:7-8

Some wonder how so many could turn on Jesus after following Him. The truth is right here where it says, “…they heard all that He was doing, and they came to Him.” They were only interested in what He was doing for people. There’s nothing wrong with that, but the condition of their heart leads them to fall away.

Their faith only went surface deep, so once they got their miracle or didn’t see new ones, they simply got bored of Him. This will happen to us if we only follow Jesus for what He can do for us rather than following Him because of who He is. Heart Check.


FOLLOW THE LEADER | Luke 6:39-40

Jesus clearly says not to follow those who stumble around and cannot see the truth. He also declares that we will become like those we follow. We are all following Jesus and hoping to be more like Him, but we also follow others in this life. Heart Check.

Who are you following? Is their life one that you wouldn’t mind emulating?


FIRM FOUNDATION | Luke 6:46-49

In the end, we will all go through life storms that will test our faith's foundation. Jesus says that if you want to withstand the storms and not fall into ruin, you must be both a hearer and a doer of the word. If we only hear the word and don’t do it, we fall into the sin of omission or the sin of doing nothing (Numbers 32:23), and when a strong wind comes, we will ultimately crumble like a Hollywood set. But every time we walk out our faith in obedience, we strengthen our foundation and move beyond a superficial faith. Heart Check.

How frm is your foundation? Are you doing the things that God is telling you to do?


 Deep Dive

 How does Jesus being Lord of the Sabbath a£ect your view of its meaning for our lives today?

How does Jesus’ reaction to the Pharisees shape your reaction to those who may have di£erent views on scripture?

How do we reconcile an unforgiveable sin with the central message of God’s forgiveness and grace?

What is spiritual kinship and what does it look like in the context of today’s church?

How does the “Sermon on the Plain” challenge societal norms?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father,  We come humble before you and all the authority that you hold over heaven and earth.

Thank you for loving us so much that you would rain down goodness from heaven upon us. I pray that we never miss the blessings in life because we are so focused on the mishaps and missteps of others. I pray that we will never be so consumed with religion that we forget about the relationship with both you and people. May everything we do and every word we speak be hugged with compassion and love.

Fill our hearts with more grace so that our words will be ones that lift up and edify. And may the fruit that comes from our tree leave a sweet taste in the mouths of others as we share the truth of your Word. We know that the gospel and truth can be o£ensive to those who are not receptive of it. It will taste bitter in their mouths. We pray for a softening of the hearts so that they will be one more soul that is gathered with the harvest.

Forgive us if we have ever been quick to judge or quick to criticize others the way the Pharisees did. I pray that we can all get a boost of grace and mercy in our prescription so that we can people through your lenses. I pray that we will be more sensitive to the needs of others so that we will look for ways to be a blessing and not a burden. We want to be a part of your redemption and not a roadblock. So I pray that as the truth of your Spirit dwells within us, we will be transformed, bearing good fruit, and glorifying you in every word we speak and every action we take. Help us to kick out the squatting lies of the enemy so that when our spirits are convicted, we do not allow condemnation to come and take up residence. As we get rid of sin, we will fill those empty spaces with your truth so that it does not come back and try to gain entry. Please fill us afresh today.

We pray for continued wisdom in understanding the signs of the times, not asking for more, but trusting fully in your truth and your providence. I pray that we will walk in faith knowing that our Greater than Jonah is with us. Give us strength to withstand the attacks of the enemy, and keep us close as we battle in the spiritual realm. We will discern and stand firm in your truth, trusting in your authority over every kind of evil. Where there are false accusations, I pray that you will silence them the same way you did with the unclean spirits.

Keep us armored up and may we be a people who stand together in unity and never bring division. As we band together in prayer today, I pray that your glory will be seen all across the earth.

Help us to be e£ective witnesses, not being fearful of the o£ensiveness of your truth. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, so none of us are qualified to judge or condemn, but we do love people enough to confront sin. So I pray that when we do, it will always be wrapped with compassion and love. Show us how we can bring healing and restoration to those in need, and prepare their hearts to be receptive to it. We want to do your will, for we know that in doing so, we are worthy to be called your sisters and brothers. May we always be a people who fight for unity and never bring division.

Thank you for showing us that you choose us not based on our gifts, talents, or abilities, but you choose us by your wisdom for the sake of your purpose. You can use any of us, in all of our mess and weaknesses, to bring glory to your name. So may we continue to follow your leading, not because we are seeking out what you can do for us, but because of who you are. Thank you for choosing us to be your disciples. I pray that we will faithfully answer the call to the faith and to service.

Thank you, Jesus, for your healing touch. We know there are so many who are waiting for miracles, diagnoses, and treatment. Touch them today with your healing hand, and restore them in every way so they can be a living testimony to your lovingkindness.

And thank you for the way that you radically love us. We take it for granted in the way that we will take it all in but refuse to love in the same way. Help us to forgive quickly, recognizing our own shortcomings before we try to point out others’. I pray that if there are any planks in our eyes, that you will help us to remove them so we can see clearly, not to condemn, but to help.

And thank you for the reminder of how to live as citizens of the kingdom of God. We truly are a blessed people. We recognize how much we need you, so we bankrupt our spirits as we open ourselves up fully to depend solely on you. May we always have godly sorrow that leads to repentance, knowing that you will bring comfort in the midst of the temporary pain it may cause. And may we always hunger and thirst for righteousness so that we will diligently seek you to bring that satisfaction. In doing these things, we know that our lives are built on a solid foundation that by your grace and strength can withstand anything. Thank you for that promise.

 We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 283 Matthew 5-7 | Heart Dive 365

October 10

Matthew 5-7, A multitude has gathered around Jesus. He walks up a mountainside so all may hear His words and begins preaching on the character expected of one who will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

He speaks of the blessings one should expect when one has a genuinely humble and reverent heart towards God. He explains how the world will receive such people for the Lord and compares God's people to salt and light. Jesus provides clarification of the Law regarding the New Covenant He will be ushering in.

Matthew 6, The sermon Jesus preaches on the mountainside is continued in this chapter. Jesus covers themes such as God-centered, forgiveness, giving, how to pray, fasting, and coveting. He speaks about not placing trust in material things in this world, which can cause unnecessary anxiety and worry.

Matthew 7, The final parts of Jesus' sermon on the mount are preached in this chapter. Jesus preaches on judgment and discernment in this world. He emphasizes the idea that people will either choose themselves and the world or give themselves to the Lord.

POOR IN SPIRIT | Matthew 5:2

What I love about the Beatitudes is that Jesus modeled every single one of them for us. He was the most blessed human being ever to walk the earth! So every one of these should be #goals for us as it shows us how our attitude should be.

Being poor in spirit is the first step to salvation in recognizing our need for a Savior. Jesus gave up all of His supernatural power and had to fully depend on His Father to do anything. This is what being spiritually poor means—we empty ourselves so that we can receive the indwelling of the Spirit of God. Like Jesus, we entirely depend on Him to do anything. This is the state of mind that we can do nothing without Him. A state of humility ultimately brings a deep sense of joy. Heart Check.

Are you poor in spirit?


MERCY TANK | Matthew 5:7

Being merciful is precisely what it sounds like, full of mercy. This means you don’t dish out what a person may deserve. Instead, show compassion to those who may have hurt you; you don’t condemn those who are outwardly sinning; you choose to see the best in others. You seek out needs above your own, you seek to restore broken relationships, and you genuinely care about the souls of all people.

These are all fruits of mercy that Jesus has so lovingly displayed to each one of us. We all want to be on the receiving end of mercy, but we are usually not so quick to give it out. Heart Check.

How full is your mercy tank?


BRIGHT LIGHT | Matthew 5:13-16

I love how Jesus says that we are the light of the world and the salt of the earth, meaning we are not becoming these things. We already are! The light that we shine does not come from us— the Son shines upon us, and we refiect His glory and goodness.

This is why we must ensure the world doesn’t come between us and the Son, eclipsing that light. Our job is to bring the goodness of God to a dark world, but if we imitate the world and blend in, then we are imitating darkness, not illuminating it. On the fiip side, people will use this verse and condemn people in the name of “exposure of the dark.”

But we must remember that when the lights are on, our hearts are also illuminated. And the world isn’t looking to Christians for the good that we have to o£er. They’re looking at our city on the hill and waiting for it to crumble. They’re watching for us to fall so that they can say, “I told you so.” This is an even greater reason for us to ensure that we genuinely refiect God's grace, mercy, kindness, and goodness. Everything else dampens His light in us. If we claim to be blessed, we should be among the happiest or most joyful people on earth! Heart Check.

How bright is your light? Are you reflecting the light of His goodness and joy, or are you blending in to the darkness?


PICKING UP OFFENSE | Matthew 5:38-39

In this day, a slap on the cheek was understood to be a profound insult. Jesus is in no way saying to endure physical abuse. He is telling us to bear insults or offense patiently. Truly, offense has no power over you unless you pick it up. People can spew insults all day, but in turning our cheek, what we are really doing is turning our ear so that we are paying no mind to it. In the physical sense, if you don’t turn your slapped cheek, you are leaving the already sensitive and raw area open for more strikes.

So if we pick up the o£ense and engage, we are now allowing that o£ense to put down roots in us, and eventually, that o£ense turns into a stronghold. But when we choose not to fight back or to be combative and trust that our Defender will avenge us, we actually gain more control over the situation rather than allowing it to control us. Think about two people fighting. Who looks more powerful and in control? The one screaming and yelling? Or the one who holds their tongue? If we choose to love back instead of fight back, we will see how it di£uses the situation, weakens the defenses of the opponent, and ultimately changes the whole environment. Heart Check.

Do you pick up offenses and fght back? Or are you able to patiently endure and allow the Lord to be your Defender?


BLESSING YOUR ENEMIES | Matthew 5:44-45

Again, this is easy to understand but really hard to do. Loving, blessing, and praying good for those who hurt you is not accessible by human standards. But Jesus wants us to do this because there’s a two-fold blessing. Praying good for them not only changes them but also begins to change us. As we begin to pronounce blessings, we will start to see them through the lenses of God. Our hearts will begin to soften. It di£uses the problem, confuses the enemy, and breaks down walls of defense, and ultimately puts the power into our hands! Prayer and blessing is our greatest weapon in these situations. We also have to remember that people are not the true enemy. So this is why we battle on our knees. Heart Check.

Are you praying for and blessing those who have hurt you?


GIVING HEART | Matthew 6:1-4

The heart of the matter here is the motive behind giving. If you’re only giving to others to receive applause (even from yourself) or to be seen in a certain light, then you may be considered a hypocrite or an “actor” if it isn’t given with true intention. It’s kind of like meeting a celebrity in real life, and if they’re not as nice as the character they played, you will feel so betrayed because their heart doesn’t refiect their acting. So God doesn’t just look at our actions, He looks into the secret places of our hearts to test the motives behind everything we do. Heart Check.

What motivates your generosity? Do you give expecting something in return? Or are you able to give even when no one knows about it?


TREASURE | Matthew 6:21

This is an easy concept to grasp in the mind, but not something we often think about. Wherever we put our treasure, our hearts will follow after it. If we sow into stocks, we will constantly follow the stock market. If we bet on a football game, we are going to watch that game with anxiety. If we have real estate, we always watch for market trends. But if we put our treasure into heaven, guess what we will pay attention to? Heart Check.

Where are you putting your treasure?


 Deep Dive

 How did Jesus display each of the beatitudes?

How are Christians persecuted today?

How can we sprinkle our salt, shine our light, and live out each of the beatitudes in practical ways?

Write an expanded version of the Lord’s prayer and then pray it. Does this better help you to engage your mind when you pray such a familiar prayer?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank you that we are indeed a blessed people as Kingdom kids.

 Thank you, Jesus, for showing us how to live, not just by the words that you spoke, but in the way that you so beautifully modeled for us what it looks like. By the law and even by these standards, we all fall short, but you made a way for us to be perfected and to be made clean, pure, holy, and righteous. What a privilege it is! So I pray that as we walk out this life and continue to build upon the solid foundation that you laid, please help us to maintain a humble spirit that is always dependent and fully submitted to you. Without you, we can do nothing. Thank you for taking our mourning over our sin and turning it into joy unspeakable as you pour out your grace and mercy upon us. Teach us to be this way and teach us gentleness and compassion so that we can make others hunger and thirst for righteousness. We want them to want the Kool-Aid! May everything we do be done with sincerity, integrity, and for the purpose of glorifying you. Give us all a deep longing for your justice and truth so that our lives will refiect your will as we show what true forgiveness is, not just for those who do good to us, but even more so for those who hurt us. Strengthen us in times of opposition or trial so we can stand firm in our faith and rejoice when we come out on the other side.

May our salt be like that of the ocean, where it never loses potency or fiavor. We want to be infiuencers, not on TikTok or Instagram, but for your kingdom. I pray that we will add fiavor to the lives of others as we pour out kindness and blessing. I pray that our words will be seasoned with grace and kindness so that we are uplifting and encouraging. And I pray that your light will shine so bright as we refiect your glory. Do not allow the distractions of the world to stand in the way or eclipse your light. So please remove any impurities within us and may we be purehearted so that we can see God. May we be the peacemakers in this world.

May we be the joy that is lacking all across the earth. I pray that we will let our light shine before others so that they may see our good works and give glory to the Father in heaven. Thank you for your Word that is true and everlasting. Thank you, Jesus, for fulfilling the Law, paving the way for us to be perfected. Thank you for paying the penalty of all the laws we have broken as a people.

Help us to continue to grow in understanding and wisdom of what all of this means. And I pray that we will continually work to maintain purity and to be holy, just as you are holy. And help us in times of o£ense or confrontation. I pray that you will fill our mercy tanks to the brim so that we will not feel the need to be defensive or combative in any way. I pray that we will not pick up the o£enses but rather fight against the spiritual force behind it in prayer. Help us to see people through your eyes rather than seeing them as the enemy. But if we do view them as such, help us to pray for them and show us how we can bless them. It all comes from love, so please fill our love tanks too. We know that when we love others rather than curse or fight them, we are actually the ones who hold the power to di£use situations and weaken defenses. Please remind us of that when we face these kinds of trials.

Thank you for being such a generous God. I pray that we will have hearts like yours, that desires to give, not because you are trying to get something from us, but simply because that’s who you are and it’s in your nature to be so kind. Mold our hearts so that we will give with pure motives and intentions and not just for the sake of appearing righteous. I also pray that we will always give from a heart that desires to honor and serve you. We know that when we store up treasures in heaven, that’s what our hearts will value as well. This isn’t a matter of being rich or poor but one of stewardship and priority. We do desire to seek first the kingdom of God in everything we do, for in doing so, you will always pay us back in full. So may we be anxious for nothing. I pray that we will remember the past, plan for the future, but fully live in the present. We know that you care for us the same way you care for the birds and fiowers of the earth. Please strengthen our faith to continue to trust in that provision for ourselves as well.

I pray that we will also be generous with forgiveness. You sure have given us a lot of it, so I pray that we will steward that gift and pay it forward. We may not realize that forgiveness can actually do more for us than it does for the other person. But more than anything, it refiects your heart, which is what matters the most.

Thank you for teaching us to pray. May we not be intimidated by the depth or length of others prayers because that’s not what you’re looking for. You desire connection with us through conversation, not dogmatic dialogue. I pray that when we pray, our hearts and minds will be engaged so we don’t feel the need to fill the space with empty words or phrases.

I pray that we will be discerning but not judgmental. We what to be able to identify fruit in others for the sake of knowing where we can help to restore and build up. We want to find the ones who are seeking help and are in need of a Savior. But may we always look within first to ensure that our hearts are right before we go looking for faults, for we know that our own bitter or sour fruit can easily make us see people through squinty eyes. So if we have planks in our eyes, please help us to remove it so we have clearer vision to seek out righteousness.

Thank you for being our loving Father who so desires to give to His children. Please continue to guide us along the narrow path that leads to life. May everything we do be done with sincerity, integrity, and for the purpose of glorifying you. And as we live out our lives in this way, our foundation only gets stronger, and we will be able to stand firm in faith that is rooted in grace. Thank you for that.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 284 Matt. 9 & Luke 7| Heart Dive 365

October 11

Matthew 9 & Luke 7,  A paralytic is brought before Jesus. He forgives the man for his sins and heals him of his affliction. The Pharisees consider Jesus a blasphemer, and Jesus questions their hearts.

Matthew, the tax collector, joins as another of Jesus' disciples and invites them to a feast at his house. Jesus raises a little girl from the dead and continues to heal many from their illnesses and disabilities.

Luke 7, Jesus heals the centurion's servant and raises a boy from the dead. John the Baptist inquires from Jesus if He is the long-awaited Messiah. Jesus discusses His and John's ministry. A woman anoints Jesus' feet and receives criticism for her humble gesture. Jesus speaks a parable to her critics regarding how it was received through God's eyes.

INTERPRETING GOD'S WORD | Matthew 9:1-8

Jesus, in multiple instances, proclaims His authority through acts that were beyond comprehension. What I want to bring to our attention here is to see the miracles at hand for what they are: hints of the Messiah.

Exegesis means that we look at the text literally, considering what it means culturally, historically, and in context. When we read God's Word, we might wonder why the Pharisees couldn't see Jesus for who He was. It's because of how they had interpreted God's Word—their exegesis approach was fiawed. They interpreted all the Old Testament prophecy and only honed in on what they wanted to see. They expected a Messiah who would be human, without His deity, without divine powers—a human king, a political leader who would ride in on a mighty horse (not a donkey) and wipe out the Romans.

Jesus was so radically different from anything they had expected. They avoided Scripture that talked about Him being a su£ering servant. They avoided seeing His humility, that He would come and bear our sins. They were legalistic, focusing only on what they wanted to see in the Bible. Heart Check.

Do you interpret God's Word through your own desires, focusing only on what you want to see? Or do you allow the Holy Spirit to divinely interpret it for you?


JESUS DESIRES MERCY | Matthew 9:9-13

Jesus perceives their thoughts; He knows what they're saying. He quotes from Hosea, pulling Old Testament ideas and Scriptures that God had already established. Yet, they couldn't see Him. They misinterpreted God's Word, forgetting that God said, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice."

This was addressed in Hosea to a sinful nation that thought they could do whatever they wanted 364 days a year and then throw a sacrifice on the altar to be forgiven. Sometimes we call this "Sunday morning Christians" or "Easter Sunday Christians"—people who roll into church occasionally but aren't living out their faith. They think they can pray for forgiveness and continue living in sin.

Remember what the Pharisees said: "Why do you sit with tax collectors?" Dining with sinners was against their communal laws; they believed they became unclean by association. They separated themselves from sinners, thinking that was righteousness. Yet, their own sins were hidden—the pride of life, the lust of life. They wanted to be seen as holy and righteous.

They didn't realize that the true sacrifice was Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins. He is the only sacrifice that matters. The Pharisees thought they were righteous, but we have to accept our sinfulness before we can accept the salvation from Jesus Christ. Heart Check.

Are you guilty of hiding your sins and failing to show grace and mercy to others?


PERSEVERANCE IN FAITH | Matthew 9:27-31

Consider the blind men who followed Jesus. They couldn't see, but they didn't give up. They might have been grasping and asking people, "Where did Jesus go? We're following Him. Son of David, have mercy on us!" Maybe someone was leading them.

But they persisted; they followed Him and entered the house with Him. How often do we give up right at the edge of a discovery, a revelation, a breakthrough, or spiritual revival? Is there someone in your life you've shared the gospel with repeatedly, planting seeds and watering them, but you're tempted to give up? Perhaps you're right on the edge of a breakthrough.

God's Word can sometimes be o£ensive; it's a hard concept for some people. But His Word will never return void. That's why we learn it by heart and share His Word, not just our own. Heart Check.

Are you giving up on planting seeds of faith? Will you continue sowing, even when progress isn't visible? Have you given up on someone who needs to hear the gospel?


FAITH IN ACTION | Luke 7:1-10

What I love about the centurion is that his faith preceded him. He had people who would proactively go and vouch for his reputation. He was known as a God-fearing man, even though he was a Gentile—a Roman centurion. He helped build a synagogue; he put his faith into action. His hands and feet embodied his faith as he built something up for God's glory.

This moves me to ask myself: Is there any practical application of my faith? Perhaps this YouTube channel is fruit of that. I love seeing the fruit of salvation in other people's lives. I love seeing my children walk out their faith daily, being salt and light in their schools. Heart Check.

Have we taken time to reflect on what we are building in our lives for God's glory? Are we, like the centurion, humble in our efforts, recognizing our need for Jesus?


THE WOMAN ANOINTING JESUS' FEET | Luke 7:36-50

During this time, men and women wore sandals and walked everywhere; their feet were dirty. Cleaning feet was customary but considered a menial task, usually done by servants or young children in the home. It was not something performed by a person of higher status.

The Pharisee, like the others, judged the woman and separated himself from sinners. He thought, "I can't associate with her; if Jesus were a real prophet, He would know who she is." Oh, He knows who she is. He knows everything about her, and for the first time, someone who knows her completely still loves her. Jesus came to forgive that sin. Heart Check.

Are we willing to come before Jesus with our own brokenness and gratitude? Do we recognize the depth of our need for His forgiveness and respond with joy, like the woman who wept at His feet?


 Deep Dive

 What does the centurion’s humility teach us about true faith?

How can we build up our faith like the centurion, even when we don’t feel worthy?

Why does Jesus honor faith, even in times of questioning, as He did with John the Baptist?

How can our doubts help us grow in faith?

What can we learn from the woman’s act of love and worship at Jesus’ feet?

What dangers arise from interpreting Scripture solely through our own biases?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link

Holly's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You in awe of the lessons You’ve provided through the lives of the centurion, John the Baptist, and the woman who anointed Jesus' feet.

Thank You for showing us that faith begins with humility, just like the centurion who recognized his unworthiness but still trusted in Your power. Help us to lay down our pride and come to You with open hearts, trusting You to lead us even when we have questions, as John the Baptist did. When doubt arises, give us the courage to come to You, knowing that You welcome our questions and provide truth.

Father, may we also learn from the woman who came to You in brokenness. We recognize our deep need for Your grace and forgiveness. Like her, may we be unashamed to pour out our love and gratitude, knowing You accept us in our vulnerability and heal us in our pain. Let us be reminded that the greatest honor we can o£er You is our heart fully surrendered.

We pray that You will protect us from the temptation to misinterpret Your Word, bending it to fit our desires or expectations, just as the Pharisees did. Instead, help us to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance, allowing Your truth to transform our hearts and minds.

We ask for wisdom and grace to live out Your Word authentically, humbly, and with love. May our lives refiect Your goodness and lead others to the truth of the gospel. In Jesus' name, Amen.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 285 Matthew 11 | Heart Dive 365

October 12

Matthew 11, In Matthew 11, John the Baptist, from prison, sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the promised Messiah or if they should expect another. Jesus responds by pointing to the miracles and works He has done, fulfilling the prophecies of the Messiah. He praises John the Baptist as the greatest prophet yet explains that those who are part of the Kingdom of Heaven are even more blessed.

Jesus then rebuked the people and cities that rejected both His ministry and John’s. He warns that those who have witnessed His miracles and remained unrepentant will face harsher judgment than even the wicked cities of the Old Testament, such as Sodom.

Finally, Jesus o£ers one of the most comforting promises in Scripture: rest for the weary. He invites those who are burdened to come to Him, explaining that His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. In this invitation, He speaks to those oppressed by legalism, weariness, and life struggles, promising them proper rest in Him.

DOUBT AND FAITH | Matthew 11:2-6

John the Baptist had a lot of time to think while in prison. The more time he had, the more anxious thoughts crept in, leading to doubts. John knew he was the forerunner of the Messiah, yet his situation did not align with his expectations. Like the Pharisees, he may have envisioned a Messiah who would be a political leader or a warrior—one who would take immediate action against the Romans. But Jesus came with a different mission: to establish a spiritual kingdom, not an earthly one.

John's doubts mirror the doubts we often face. When our circumstances don't change, when life becomes overwhelming, or when we face su£ering, we start to question God's plan. Jesus doesn't always change our circumstances immediately, but He does call us to change our perspective. Heart Check.

Are we, like John the Baptist, bringing our doubts to Jesus when we face uncertainty? Do we trust Him to respond in ways that strengthen our faith?


LIVING ON THIS SIDE OF THE CROSS | Matthew 11:11

Jesus praises John the Baptist, acknowledging his role as the one who came to prepare the way for the Messiah. Yet, Jesus also says that the least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than John. Why? Because those who live after Jesus’ resurrection have a clearer understanding of the gospel and can point to Him with greater clarity.

We sometimes attempt to establish our significance based on our work, achievements, or spiritual gifts. But true greatness lies in our witness to Jesus Christ. On this side of the cross, we have the privilege to point others to Jesus with clarity that even the greatest prophets did not have. Heart Check.

Are you living out your purpose to share the gospel, fully embracing the privilege of living on this side of Christ’s completed work?


THE CONSEQUENCES OF UNBELIEF | Matthew 11:20-24

 

Jesus warned that the cities that had seen His miracles but failed to repent would face a harsh judgment. Even the cities that were destroyed in the Old Testament, like Sodom, would face less severe punishment than those who had witnessed His works firsthand but remained unrepentant.

 

This should serve as a warning to us. Are we indi£erent to the gospel? Are we lukewarm in our response to God’s works? Jesus is clear: judgment is coming for those who reject Him. We cannot a£ord to close our eyes to the truth of the gospel. Heart Check.

How do we respond to God’s miraculous works that we see in the Bible, and perhaps even in our lives today? Are we overlooking them like the cities Jesus condemned for their unbelief?


REST FOR THE WEARY | Matthew 11:28-30

This passage could be an entire sermon. Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. The Pharisees and teachers of the law had placed heavy burdens on the people with their legalism and rituals. Similarly, we are often weighed down by the demands of life, sin, and pride.

Jesus uses the image of a yoke—a wooden crosspiece placed on the shoulders of oxen. Normally, a stronger ox is yoked with a weaker one, with the stronger bearing most of the weight. Jesus invites us to take on His yoke, where He bears the burden for us, o£ering rest and grace. We are unburdened from the weight of trying to earn our salvation or solve our problems in our own strength. Heart Check.

Are we truly allowing ourselves to rest in Jesus, or are we burdened by trying to solve everything on our own? How can we better surrender our struggles to Him?


 Deep Dive

 How does Jesus’ response to John the Baptist’s doubts encourage us when we face uncertainty?

What does it mean to take on Jesus’ “yoke” and find rest for our souls?

Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of recognizing His works in the world?

How does this chapter challenge us to trust God’s timing, especially when we are waiting for answers?

How can we learn to live in the freedom that comes from accepting Jesus’ rest?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link

Holly's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the powerful reminders in Matthew 11 that You are with us even in seasons of doubt.

 Just as You responded to John the Baptist’s questions, You respond to ours with patience and love. Help us to bring our uncertainties to You and trust that You are always working, even when we cannot see the full picture.

Teach us, Father, how to rest in You. So often, we carry burdens that weigh us down and attempt to solve our problems without turning to You. Remind us that Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. Help us to release the pressures we face and find true peace in surrendering them to You.

We also ask for eyes to see the many ways You are working in our lives. Forgive us for the times we overlook Your blessings or take Your miracles for granted. Give us hearts that are sensitive to Your presence and voices that are quick to praise You for all that You do.

May we walk in faith and trust, knowing that You are always near, and may we find the rest that our souls desperately need in You.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 286 Luke 11 | Heart Dive 365

October 13

 The disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray. He provides them with an example prayer that outlines how a God-centered prayer should sound. Jesus tells them not to be afraid to come to the Father for all their needs and to never cease asking Him according to His will and with a simple faith like that of a child.

Jesus is accused of working under Beelzebub and not for God the Father and asked to prove the source of His power with a sign. He is invited to dine at the house of a Pharisee. The Pharisees are rebuked for not shepherding the people as the Father has required of them. They begin to look for hypocrisy in Jesus to destroy His character before the people.

THE HEART PRAYER TEMPLATE

H - Honor His Name "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name" Lord, we begin by lifting up Your name, recognizing Your holiness. May our hearts be full of reverence and awe as we honor You in all we say and do. Help us live lives that bring glory to Your name.

E - Establish Your Kingdom "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven"Father, we ask that Your kingdom come into every part of our lives. May Your will be done in our families, communities, and throughout the world. Let Your love and truth transform us and the world around us.

A - Ask for Provision "Give us today our daily bread" Lord, we come to You with our needs, trusting in Your faithful provision. You know what we need before we even ask. We depend on You for our physical, emotional, and spiritual sustenance each day.

R - Receive Forgiveness "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" Thank You for the forgiveness You o£er through Jesus. Soften our hearts so we may receive Your grace and extend forgiveness to others. Help us walk in love and release bitterness, as You have forgiven us.

T - Turn Away from Temptation "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one"Lord, guide our hearts away from temptation and protect us from the traps of the enemy. Give us the strength to stand firm in faith and live in a way that honors You.


THE PROPHETS AND THE PHARISEES | Luke 11:47-51

Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and religious leaders for building monuments to honor the prophets, while their ancestors persecuted and killed them. He foreshadows His own death, which will come at the hands of the very leaders who claim to honor God’s messengers. They are guilty of the same sin as those who rejected the prophets of old.

These religious leaders were also guilty of withholding the truth from the people. Jesus says, "You have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering" (Luke 11:52). They had misinterpreted the Scriptures, overcomplicating the simple truth of God’s message. They burdened the people with legalistic interpretations, keeping them from understanding the true heart of God. Heart Check.

Are we living in a way that reflects Jesus’ teachings, or do we sometimes act like the Pharisees, focusing more on outward appearances than on inward transformation?


REFLECTING JESUS INWARDLY | Luke 11:53-54

The Pharisees’ legalism and obsession with appearances blinded them to the truth of Jesus’ message. Instead of accepting the truth, they sought to trap Him and silence Him, just as their ancestors did with the prophets. They were more concerned with maintaining their outward status than allowing their hearts to be transformed by the truth.

Jesus calls us to live authentically from the inside out. Our outward actions should refiect the inward work of the Holy Spirit, transforming us into Christ’s likeness. This requires humility, a willingness to admit our faults, and a heart surrendered to God’s will. Heart Check.

Are we living with inward transformation that reflects Jesus, or are we more concerned with maintaining appearances?


 Deep Dive

 What can we learn from the structure and simplicity of the Lord’s Prayer?

Why is persistence in prayer important, and how does it strengthen our relationship with God?

How does Jesus’ teaching on demons challenge us to be vigilant in guarding our hearts and minds against spiritual attacks?

What is the significance of Jesus rebuking the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, and how can we apply that to our own lives?

How can we grow in our understanding of God’s provision, especially in seasons of waiting?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link

Holly's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You in awe of Your goodness and faithfulness, as shown to us in Luke 11.

 We thank You for teaching us how to pray, for giving us a model in the Lord’s Prayer that focuses on Your will, Your kingdom, and Your provision. Help us to remember that prayer is not just about asking for what we want but aligning our hearts with Your purpose for our lives.

Lord, we ask for persistence in our prayer lives. So often, we become discouraged when we don’t receive immediate answers, but Your Word reminds us to keep asking, seeking, and knocking. May we be diligent in prayer, trusting that You hear us and that You will respond in Your perfect timing.

Forgive us for the times when we’ve focused more on outward appearances than on the transformation You desire within us. Just as Jesus rebuked the Pharisees, remind us that true faith is not about checking o£ religious boxes but about living in genuine relationship with You. Cleanse our hearts of hypocrisy and help us to live lives that honor You.

We also pray for the strength to resist the temptations and spiritual battles we face daily. Protect us from the schemes of the enemy, and fill us with Your Spirit so that we can stand firm in our faith.

Thank You, Lord, for being a God who provides, protects, and leads us.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 287 Matthew 13 & Luke 8 | Heart Dive 365

October 14

 Jesus begins His preaching with parables of a farmer sowing seeds, a field of wheat and tares, a mustard seed, and how leaven corrupts. His preaching fulfills the prophecy of the Messiah's ministry.

He continues with more parables of hidden treasure, the costly pearl, and a dragnet. Jesus travels to His hometown of Nazareth to preach in the synagogue, but He is quickly rejected by those He was raised among.

THORNS | Matthew 13:22

The soil here is good but a little too fertile, as thorns and weeds are growing among the good plants. This is where the more mature Christians get choked up because you may have moved past the unbelief, and perhaps you’ve grown the ability to withstand trials in Christ’s strength, but where you lose your footing is when your plate begins to get packed.

It can be filled with worry, temptation, misplaced priorities, must-dos, have-tos, and want-tos. Everything outside the will of God is just a distraction that the enemy will use as a thorn to uproot you. Heart Check.

Do you have any thorns of distraction that are keeping you from doing God’s will?


SOIL | Matthew 13:10-23

There will be seasons when your soil changes topographically or on the surface. There were many times when I would get down on myself because I knew my soil was no longer fertile and my spiritual growth was stalled. I had to start watering it with the Word and tilling my soil through prayer again. I had to get back into church and stop making excuses. Heart Check.

What is your soil like? Do you hear and understand the Word? Does it take root? Is it bearing fruit? Is there some watering and tilling that needs to be done to make it fertile?


HELPERS | Luke 8:3

This term “provided for” comes from the Greek word diakonia, from which we get the word deacon or even deaconess, a position held by women in the early church.

I love that Jesus put Himself in that humble place where He allowed others to provide for Him. He didn’t need anyone’s help and could’ve done everything alone, but that’s not His heart.

He loves fellowship and relationship, which is why He urges us to do the same. This was a£irmed for me this past weekend when I was able to meet some of the Heart Dive volunteers for the first time. Up to this point, we had only been chatting behind the screen. In these days, that seems su£icient, but what I realized is that heart-to-heart contact cannot be replaced by technology.

The moment I hugged these girls, I just wept. There was even breakthrough in my worship at church on Sunday, because what I realize is that when you are in the vicinity of other believers, the power and presence of God exponentiates. The Kingdom of Heaven is so much more evident. So I thank God that He opened up my own heart to allow others to come along and help where they desired to. There is power in fellowship and relationship. Heart Dive would not be what it is without the Hollys, Miches, Monicas, and many others who said, “How can I help?”

They did it for Jesus, but what they probably didn’t realize was the impact it would have on so many hearts. I pray that everyone has people like that who can heal with just one hug, who can lay hands on you and pray, people who just get you, and people you can laugh with. Heart Check.

Are you in fellowship with others? Are you open to allowing others in to help you? Have you stepped up to say, “How can I help?”


HEARING MANNERS | Luke 8:18

Jesus is emphasizing that if you bear truth, you also bear responsibility. When we receive an understanding and revelation of God’s Word, we will be held accountable for what we do with that truth.

And the manner in which we hear the Word also matters—we should be attentive, retentive, faithful, obedient, responsive, joyful, sincere, and prayerful—and when we receive the Word this way, He will give us even more desire for revelation and understanding. Spiritual growth gains momentum in both directions. Heart Check.

Which way are you growing? Are you gaining momentum in understanding God’s truth? Or are you becoming more frustrated? Which hearing manner may be lacking?


SHINE BRIGHT | Luke 8:18

Secondly, we are the lamps that refiect the light of Christ. Heart Check.

Is your lamp on? How are you letting your light shine in your daily life? Are there any areas where you may need to shine brighter?


JESUS IN THE BOAT | Luke 8:22-25

Jesus wasn’t bothered by the storm, but He was bothered by their unbelief. We must remember that unbelief doesn’t cause the storms, but it reveals the rejection of the promise within it. And the promise here is that if Jesus is in your boat, your boat ain’t sinking, so we can all stop fretting! Heart Check.

Are you worrying about going under? Is Jesus in your boat? If so, are you rejecting the promise that He will never leave you or forsake you?


WHERE IS YOUR FAITH | Luke 8:25

Even after Jesus calmed the storm, they were still afraid. That blows my mind! But we do the same. A lot of anxiety in the United States right now is centered around politics and what will happen come November. And it’s all rooted in fear. Some think that their fears and anxieties will subside if their candidate gets elected, but the truth of the matter is, that fear will never go away if your faith is in anything other than Jesus and His Word, because faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. The disciples had Jesus and they had just been taught His Word. This is why He asked them where their faith was. It’s kind of like a teacher asking, “Are you listening?” Heart Check.

Where is your faith?


BREAKTHROUGH & HEALING | Luke 8

In the end, we saw two healings take place in two different ways. One was a poor and desperate woman who secretly sought out Jesus and was publicly healed, and the other was a rich, infiuential ruler who publicly sought Jesus on behalf of his daughter, and Jesus healed her in private.

Both of them required faith and belief that Jesus could heal. Heart Check.

Are you waiting for breakthrough or healing in your life? Do you trust that Jesus can heal or restore what’s broken? Have you reached out in faith?


 Deep Dive

 Which parable speaks to the current season you’re in in your life? Why?

How should we handle “weeds” if they are not to be plucked out? How can we stay faithful among them?

What is the true worth of following Christ? What is the cost?

How might we live with more urgency knowing that there will be a separation between the believing and unbelieving?

How might the healing of the demon-possessed man strengthen your faith to be set free from other types of oppression or strongholds?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the wisdom and truth that you have revealed to us through your Word today.

 Oh how we long for our soil to be good and ready, every single day, for the watering of your Word. We long for seeds to be planted so that we can go forth and bear fruit. But we know that requires a little bit of work on our end to ensure that we are growing and maturing in our walk with you so that when the storms hit, we aren’t caving in. Or when a million distractions or responsibilities are thrown our way, we don’t become so busy and get choked out by the pressure of the world. Please show us what thorns may be in our garden so that we can avoid them. We know they will still be there, but we can work around them. If we seek you first, they can take a back seat without us feeling as though we have somehow failed. Our heart’s desire is to honor you first and foremost in everything we do.

So please continue to help us understand the depth of your Word as we hear it so that we can apply it to our lives. We don’t want to just be hearers of the Word but doers.

I pray that we will never despise the small mustard seeds of faith and obedience that are sown. We may not see the growth right away or perhaps never at all, for one planted seed may grow outside of our field. So may we never lose heart in sowing love, grace, and truth, knowing that you will bring the increase. We also pray that you will protect our hearts if there is ever a huge growth stunt in our lives. Our tree may look big from the outside, but beneath the leaves are weak branches. This is why we will always appreciate slow and steady growth.

We love you so much, Lord, and we value the Kingdom of God above all else. It is like the hidden treasure. We know that following you will cost us something, but it is always worth more than anything we could gain here on this earth. Please open our eyes to the true worth of following you, and I pray that you will give us the courage to give up anything that is hindering us from fully pursuing your will.

As we draw nearer to the coming day of judgment, I pray that we will remain steadfast in our faith. Help us to be a light to others so that they will not be lost. May we be the righteous that shine like the sun. Your kingdom is the greatest treasure that we could ever find, so may we hold dear both the old wisdom and the new revelation so that we don’t miss a single thing that you’re doing.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 288 Mark 4-5 | Heart Dive 365

October 15

Mark 4, Jesus preaches a parable of a farmer sowing seeds to a multitude of people. He teaches the meaning of it only to His disciples, and the responsibility of spreading God's Word and not keeping it secret. He teaches two more parables, and then He and His disciples head out into the Sea of Galilee. They encounter a storm on the waters, and Jesus rebukes His disciples for lacking in faith when He calms the storm and waves.

Mark 5, When Jesus and His disciples reach land, they encounter a demon-possessed man who runs to them from his home among the tombs. Jesus casts the legion of demons out of the man and allows them to enter a nearby herd of swine. The townspeople reject Jesus and force Him out of their town, but the man is grateful and proclaims the miracle throughout the region to all who would listen.

A synagogue ruler, Jarius, pleads with Jesus to heal his daughter who is near death, and a woman with a chronic bleeding disorder begs for healing and relief as well. Jesus cures the woman of her disorder, and He raises the young girl from the dead when He arrives at the rulers house after his daughter had passed.

THE KEY | Mark 4:9

If faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, then faith is the key that anyone would’ve needed to be able to understand these parables. When Jesus said, “He who has ears, let him hear,” He was basically saying, “Those who hear this and believe it will understand it.” We have all had our journeys in reading and understanding the Bible, and we don’t always “get it” immediately. But little by little, it’s as if the Lord begins to unlock treasure boxes as we read. Things start to make sense and you receive spiritual insight that blows your mind. The key to those treasures is your faith! If you resist His Word and what He can do, those boxes will remain closed. Heart Check.

Do you have the key to God’s treasure boxes?


BEARING FRUIT | Mark 4:20

Here, we see that the sole purpose of the seed is to bear fruit. One of the reasons why many Christians don’t end up bearing fruit is because they’re only looking at the Word of God as food for themselves. How can this feed me, fix me, help me… me, me, me! And while it is our daily manna and will feed and nourish us like nothing else can, it intends to take root and bear fruit. This means that as we consume the Word and it begins to take root, we now become a tree that others can glean from. We are called to feed the sheep of Jesus by sharing our testimony with others, teaching them His Word, inviting them to church, praying for them, serving our community, helping the needy, and so on. Heart Check.

Is the seed that is being sown in your heart growing to bear fruit?


MEASURING SPOON | Mark 4:21-25

When Jesus says to “pay attention” to what you hear, He is saying that we have a responsibility in the way we hear the gospel. We must be careful who we are listening, how we are listening to them, and then most importantly, what we are doing with what we listen to.

And the measure we use to determine this will be given right back to us. For instance, if we sincerely desire to hear the gospel and learn about Jesus without hesitation or criticism, the more we know, the more we will hunger for it.

But if we go into a church or a ministry and begin criticizing what the person is wearing, debating whether or not they have Botox, ready to chew at every o£ense and fault, that’s what we’re going to find because every human has them. This is where our measuring spoon must be full of spirit and truth, meaning we have grace and discernment.

We will be able to decipher fake faith (because in this day of technology, there’s plenty out there), but we will also be able to overlook minor weaknesses of the faithful ministries as we receive the Word with gladness. You will know if your measuring spoon has these things because there will be peace in your spirit, not angst. Heart Check.

What’s in your measuring spoon? Are you able to discern fake faith? Can you overlook weaknesses and still gain insight from the faithful?


UNDERESTIMATING JESUS | Mark 4:41

Even after the disciples saw prophecy fulfilled, miracles performed, and their lives literally saved, they still underestimated Jesus's power. They still said, “How can this be? Who is this?” Many of us think, “If that were me, I wouldn’t do that,” yet we are still sitting scared in our boats when Jesus calls us to step out in faith. Heart Check.

Are you underestimating what Jesus can do? Have you stepped out of the boat in faith?


RESISTING GREATNESS | Mark 5:15

I sat with this idea of the people being more afraid of what Jesus had done for the man than they were of the man who was once demon-possessed. It didn’t make sense to me… until it did. You see, we, too, can sometimes be more afraid of what Jesus is doing in our lives than what the enemy is doing. And the reason is that if we are getting attacked by the enemy, we know that we can run to Jesus for His help. But if Jesus begins to do some painful work in us or begins to stretch us beyond our comfort, we can’t ask Him to work against Himself.

And other times we fear our greatness because we are so afraid of upholding that image in the face of others. This was the reason I didn’t want to win Miss America. When I stood on that stage embracing the woman who would take home the crown in 2004, I was shaking in my boots, and my whole family knew it. I told them the night before that I did not want the crown and that I just wanted to go back home to my dog and be Miss Hawaii. But it took me a good 20 years to realize that it wasn’t the success that I feared— it was the failure. And therefore I resisted what I believe God wanted to do with my life. I had more faith in my failure than I did in my God. Heart Check.

Do you have more faith in your failure than you do in your God? Are you resisting what Jesus wants to do in your life because of it?


MINISTRY BOATS | Mark 5:18-20

We see the actual transformation in this man’s heart because he wanted to go with Jesus. He wanted to be in His boat. But Jesus said no, where prior to this, He gave permission to demons to do what they wanted, and He left when the people of Gerasenes told Him to.

Jesus didn’t say no because He was rejecting the man—He said no because He was commissioning him. This man’s calling was not in someone else’s boat. His calling was in his own boat, ministering to his family and friends. Sometimes, we want the dream that it’s in someone else’s boat, but Jesus just might be calling us to do things with those who are right beside us. In fact, our families and friends should be the first line of ministry in our lives before we go out and try to row with anyone else. Heart Check.

Are you ministering in your own boat? Or are you trying to get into another’s boat?


 Deep Dive

 How can we cultivate good soil in our hearts to produce lasting fruit?

How do we trust the process when we don’t see fruit being born?

How can we be more intentional to listen and apply God’s Word with good measure?

Is there any area of your life where fear needs to be released and replaced with faith?

What do these chapters reveal about the heartbeat or character traits of Jesus?

 

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank you for revealing your wisdom to us once again.

 We know that when you repeat yourself, it is with good reason, so our ears are open. We are listening for your voice and your truth to be revealed in it. We crave spiritual insight from you, and we thank you that you have chosen us to receive it. I pray that we will not be discouraged in our own misunderstanding but instead trust the process of slow and steady growth.

As long as there is some sort of change happening, and we are allowing the continual watering by your Word, we will grow roots as your transformative power moves within us. Lord, you are constant—you never change and neither does the Word that you sow. We are the ones who are the change agents or the variation.

So we ask for your help today in keeping our hearts set on you. We ask that you show us if there is any plowing or tilling that needs to take place so that we always have good fertile soil for you to work with. Remove any thorns of distraction, worry, or pleasure-seeking that might choke us and create a spiritual apathy within us. And may your Word take root in our hearts and lives, bearing fruit for your Kingdom.

Thank you, Jesus, for allowing your light to shine through us. You are the only light we need, one that never dims and never fades. I pray that we never hide or shy away from bearing this privilege of letting it shine in everything we do. May we be bold but also humble in the way that we live out our faith, knowing that even the smallest acts of faith and obedience will be used for something powerful. Even our weaknesses and failures can be turned to good, so we trust you to do that.

For those who are faithfully sowing seed, I pray that you will keep them steadfast, even when they can’t see the roots that are growing or the fruit that is born. You work in mysterious ways, so help us to trust in your timing and your ways. As long as we are faithful in planting, you will do all the watering and cultivating to bring about a harvest in due season. Thank you, Jesus, for being in our boats on the daily. When the winds begin to blow and the waves are billowing around us, help us to remember that you are our ever-present help in time of need.

We may be scared initially, but we will not allow that fear to lead to distrust in you and your promise to bring us through. You will never leave us or forsake us, so I pray that we will always choose faith over fear, knowing that you are in control, even in the worst of circumstances. Calm our fears and anxieties, increase our faith, and may your peace that surpasses all understanding still our hearts.

We reach out to you today for a healing touch, whether it is physical, emotional, or spiritual healing that we need. We acknowledge that it is by your power that we can be set free from anything that is holding us captive. If you broke the chains o£ a demon-possessed man, you can do it with us. Break any strongholds right now, in the name of Jesus, that are keeping us bound. We bring you every hurt, fear, and struggle and place it at your feet.

We believe that just one single touch from you can eliminate every one of them, as you cast out fear. Nothing is impossible for you, and we believe in the restorative and redemptive work that was done on the cross for our freedom. Help us to take up our own cross and walk in that freedom so that we can declare your glory to the whole earth.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 289 Matthew 10 | Heart Dive 365

October 16

Matthew 10, Jesus divides His disciples into groups of two and sends them out to preach in surrounding Jewish towns. He gives specific instructions for them as they go from town to town and if they are rejected.

Jesus prepares the hearts of His disciples for the inevitable persecution they will face for proclaiming the Gospel. He encourages them to remain bold amid opposition and completely trust in Him as they forfeit their lives daily in Christ's name.

FULLY PRESENT | Matthew 10:11

This is one of my favorite convicting verses because one of the more significant issues I had to work through was being present.I’m a dreamer and a visionary, and I have such a monkey mind that I get so excited to swing to the next branch. And the moment I get there and eat a banana, I’m over it. All to say I used to have di£iculty completing tasks to their fullest potential because I had major commitment issues. At the core, I was never at peace or content in my own spirit.

When Jesus is telling the disciples to stay in the town they’re in until they depart, this isn’t just an arrival and departure notice. He is telling them to seek out a place of integrity rather than comfort, and once they get there, don’t go looking for bigger and better. Be present where you are!

I know we can sometimes get so excited for what is to come, but when we begin to focus more on the future and what can be, we lose sight of what God is doing right in front of us. Heart Check.

How present are you? Are you more concerned about what is to come and already moving on to the next town? Or are you fully present today and focused on what God is doing right in front of you?


PRONOUNCING BLESSINGS | Matthew 10:13

This verse has been a game-changer and has covered me in so many situations.

When Jesus told them to greet the house they were entering, He was telling them to pronounce a blessing upon it. I used to work in the cutthroat news industry, and early in my career, there were many days when I would walk into the building with anxiety. But the moment I finally understood this verse, I had a new confidence because as I walked through the newsroom doors each day, I would proclaim, “Peace be upon this place.” And I knew that if it were not worthy, that blessing would return to me. From that day on, I started blessing people who cut me o£ on the freeway, and I still bless people in the comment section.

But our hearts have to be right when we do this because it is not intended to be a means to gain a blessing. It’s a true desire to see the Lord bless that person or that place for the betterment of them. It will fall fiat if we proclaim a blessing and don’t mean it. But if you are sincere in it, it’s a win-win situation. You will have peace in your heart and might receive a blessing in return. Heart Check.

Are you able to sincerely bless people and places that you don’t feel are worthy of it?


SHAKE IT OFF | Matthew 10:14-15

Contrary to popular (young) belief, Taylor Swift did not coin the phrase “shake it o£.” In Biblical days, if the Jews ever walked into or through Gentile territory, they would shake the Gentile dust o£ their feet the moment they returned to Jewish soil. This was their way of saying, “We tried. If you don’t want to change, that’s on you. Judgment is coming.” It was sort of like washing their hands of this rejection and leaving it in God’s hands instead. Imagine how di£erent the world would be if we could all do this when someone o£ends us, or they have di£erent political views, or they just rub us the wrong way.

Shake the dust and keep on walking. Don’t let someone else’s dirt hold you back from doing a good work. Heart Check.

Is there any dirt on your feet that simply needs to be shaken off?


LOOSEN YOUR GRIP | Matthew 10:38-39

The Kingdom of God works backward from the world, and if we don’t understand this concept, it will sound like God wants us to be miserable. The world says to work toward security, wealth, and success, and then you will have a good life. Jesus says to get rid of that thinking, and then you will indeed be happy. Having money or success is not the problem. The problem is when it has you. When we live for those things, we will inevitably become more and more empty inside.

This is my husband’s testimony—he felt that he had it all early in his pilot career. He had just renovated a beachfront condominium in Waikiki, was fiying for a commercial airline, and had a beautiful girlfriend—yet felt entirely empty. That’s when he fully turned his life over to Christ, and everything changed for him. If we cling to this life on earth alone, we will eventually lose our strength and fall.

But if we loosen that grip and surrender control, we will gain more strength and vitality and will be able to experience God’s best for us both here and in heaven. Heart Check.

What are you living for? Have you lost your life for Christ’s sake? Is there anything that you need to loosen your grip on?


REFLECTING JESUS INWARDLY | Matthew 10:53-54

The Pharisees’ legalism and obsession with appearances blinded them to the truth of Jesus’ message. Instead of accepting the truth, they sought to trap Him and silence Him, just as their ancestors did with the prophets. They were more concerned with maintaining their outward status than allowing their hearts to be transformed by the truth.

Jesus calls us to live authentically from the inside out. Our outward actions should refiect the inward work of the Holy Spirit, transforming us into Christ’s likeness. This requires humility, a willingness to admit our faults, and a heart surrendered to God’s will. Heart Check.

Are we living with inward transformation that reflects Jesus, or are we more concerned with maintaining appearances?


 Deep Dive

 Are you living out an apostolic mission? Who can you share your faith with?

How might we handle rejection of the gospel while still showing love and grace?

How can we be as wise as serpents but innocent as doves? What does that look like practically?

How can we balance our faithfulness and devotion to God with loving those who are divided against the faith?

How can you be more intentional in giving without expecting anything in return? How does this show God’s love to others?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank you for calling us.

 From the moment we heard our name, you have always been so kind and so gracious to us. Even though we may not have the resume of some spiritual heavy hitters, or we may think there is nothing really significant about us, you love us the same. There is no such thing as common or uncommon in your eyes. We are simply your children and your creation, who you can use to do extraordinary things.

You love us through our weaknesses, just the same way you did with shifty Simon, Andrew who was always in the shadow of his brother, James and John who had tempers, Nathanael the skeptic, Thomas the doubter, Matthew the tax collector, the unknown James, Simon the zealot, and Judas the betrayer. These were men who likely would’ve never gotten along if put into the same room, yet with you, you united them for a greater purpose.

And because they set their eyes on you, they were commissioned for greater things. I pray that we can find the commonalities with other believers rather than the di£erences. Help us to remember that we are on the same team so that we are not that divided house that is doomed to fall. So may we put on that apostolic hat and begin declaring, by the way that we live, that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. It is here now, and there is hope for every person to have a new life.

I pray that we will be bold in declaring your love and truth while fully trusting in your provision along the way. Help us to keep it simple and not overcomplicate it. We know that you will give us words to speak, but that does not mean we don’t need to prepare. So may we be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves, displaying wisdom and integrity in everything we do while maintaining a gentle spirit.

Thank you for equipping us for the very calling that you have placed on our lives. We know that when you purpose something, you also provide for it. Please continue to guide us in the steps we are to take and the how to.

I pray that we will not become so focused on the end goal that we lose our footing along the way. Help us to be present wherever we are so that we do not miss the blessings that are right in front of us. Thank you for where we are—for the jobs that we have, the homes we live in, and the people that surround us. All of it is a gift from above, so I pray that we will steward it well.

We know that the gospel can be o£ensive to those who are not ready to hear it. Help us to stand firm but also show love and grace when we face opposition. Remind us that our identity is in you and that we do not need the approval of man to prove it. May our responses refiect that. But if there is resistance, instead of fighting, I pray that we will simply shake the dust and bless them. Remind us when we face these situations that we have this ability to pray for them and to ask for peace to be upon them. Help us to have your heart in seeing them change for the better.

We ask for continued strength to take up our cross and follow you. If there is anything in our lives that we are holding too tightly to, I pray that you will help us loosen our grip and surrender that control so that we can fully live the abundant life. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, meaning your best for us is available here and now, but it will require us to lose our life first so that we can find it. Let it be done, here on earth, as it is in heaven.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 290 Matthew 14, Mark 6 & Luke 9 | Heart Dive 365

October 17

Matthew 14, Herod Antipas has John the Baptist beheaded at the request of Herodias' daughter. He becomes gripped with fear when he hears false rumors that Jesus may be John the Baptist raised from the dead. Jesus fiees by boat from Herod's region, but multitudes of people discover where He has gone and travel to Him.

Jesus heals the people late into the day, and the disciples urge Jesus to send them away so they may seek sustenance. Jesus instead miraculously duplicated five loaves and two fish into a feast for five thousand people, and there were even baskets of leftovers.

The disciples travel across the Sea of Galilee as Jesus heads to a mountain to pray. A storm arises on the waters again, and Jesus walks out on top of the water to join them. The disciples are fearful, and Peter walks out to Jesus in faith but begins to sink when he takes his eyes off Him. When they landed, Jesus began healing the multitudes that came to Him seeking relief.

Mark 6, Jesus teaches in the synagogue of His youth, but the people in His town do not accept Him as a teacher. Jesus sends the disciples out in groups of two to preach repentance, the kingdom of God, and healing and casting out demons. He provides instructions on how they should seek accommodations for food and shelter and what they should do if a town rejects them.

Herod Antipas is terrified of Jesus and His ministry when he hears false rumors. He may be John the Baptist, whom he had put to death, risen from the dead. Jesus teaches a multitude of people who have gathered to hear His doctrine. He miraculously provides enough food to feed the people from five loaves and two fish.

Jesus and the disciples separate when He goes to pray on the mountain. They sail across the Sea of Galilee. A storm brews, and Jesus walks to the boat on the waters. When they land, He continues to heal and cast out demons among the people.

Luke 9, Jesus sends the disciples to the surrounding towns to preach repentance and cure the people of their diseases and demon possessions.He also provides instructions for testing their faith and how to respond when they are rejected.

Rumors spread that Jesus was the risen John the Baptist. Jesus inquires from His disciples whom they believe Him to be and invites anyone willing to follow Him to pick up their cross and follow Him.

The disciples return, exchanging stories of their encounters, and multitudes begin to gather around Jesus. After He has taught them for a while, He miraculously duplicates five loaves and two fish into a feast for the multitude. Jesus is seen transformed on the mountain standing with Moses and Elijah, and God's voice is heard praising His Son. A boy is freed from his demon possession, and Jesus teaches His disciples the sacrifices and character needed to be great in the kingdom of God.

COMPASSION | Matthew 14:13-14

Here, we see the humanity of Jesus as He withdrew to a quiet place to grieve his cousin John’s death. He sought solitude, yet he was met with a crowd of people who wanted something from him. If you’ve ever been in a place where you feel like you’re giving and giving, and it never feels like it’s enough because the more you give, the more people want, you may know how it feels to be depleted and perhaps a little burdened when the demands pile up.

But not Jesus. When he saw the crowds, He had compassion. That’s who He is—He sees needs and meets them repeatedly without growing weary. Heart Check.

How much compassion do you have? Do you see the mounting needs as a burden or an opportunity to do something to meet those needs?


HAND IT OVER | Matthew 14:15-19

Don’t you just love how Jesus made what seemed insufficient into something great?

So many of us stop short of what He wants to do because we limit ourselves by thinking that our gift is too small or insignificant. Or perhaps we’ve listened to the lies of others telling us that we’re not good enough. We think we don’t have what it takes or we don’t have all the resources to fulfill the dream. But if we are faithful in the little things, we will be steadfast in much. So if we take our small gifts and abilities and place them in the hands of Jesus, He will bless them, multiply them, and hand it back to us so we can go and fulfill the vision. Heart Check.

In what ways can you trust God to use what you have in your hands? Have you handed it over? Are you trusting Him to provide what is needed to fulfill the vision He has given you?


FAITH | Matthew 14:28-33

It’s easy for us to get stuck on “O ye of little faith,” but let’s give Peter some credit here—it took some immense faith to step out of that boat and walk on water.

But notice when his faith diminished—it was when he took his eyes o£ Jesus and began focusing on the wind. He had more faith in the wind's ability than in the One who makes the wind blow. In other words, he had more faith in the storm than in the Savior. But let’s not forget that little faith is still faith, and Jesus honored it, as small as it was. Heart Check.

Have you stepped out of the boat? Are there any “storms” or “winds” that are taking your eyes off Jesus? How can you remain focused on Him when challenges arise?


TWO BY TWO | Mark 6:7

The Lord has been working in pairs since the moment He created man, when He said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” Almost every great leader in the Bible had a partner next to them. This is because working with another person can help strengthen and encourage you, comfort you in times of rejection, help sharpen or a£irm your discernment, and stir your spirit when there tends to be some apathy or idling taking place.

God loves to work through teams of people, so if you’re resistant to that and doing life alone, you may want to rethink it and begin praying for your other half in every area of your life. Heart Check.

Are you doing life two-by-two? Are you closed off to it? Do you need to pray for your partner in a specifc area of your life?


SELF-FEEDING | Mark 6:38-43

Any time Jesus fed the people, He brought a feast. He gave them enough food and leftovers to satisfy their satisfaction but noticed that He didn’t spoon-feed them. He handed the food to the disciples, who set it before the people. This means the people had to feed themselves. We can go to church and be spoon-fed the Word, but total satisfaction occurs when we pick up the Word for ourselves, chew on it, and meditate on it. At the end of the day, we all have the same number of provisions set before us. It’s up to us to pick it up and feed on it. If you ever wonder why one person gets more out of the Word than the other, perhaps it’s because they are making a more significant e£ort to feed themselves. Heart Check.

Are you flling up and satisfed with God’s Word? How much is being spoon fed vs. self-fed?


TAKE UP YOUR CROSS | Luke 9:23-24

Jesus basically told the disciples, “Oh, you know how I just said that I was going to su£er, be rejected, and be killed? So will you.”

He uses this illustration of taking up their cross, because no one in their right mind would voluntarily pick up a cross. Crosses were put on the backs of Roman prisoners right before they walked to their death. It was a one-way ticket, and there was no way out.

As gloomy as that sounds, it truly is the only way we will find life—we must first walk to our death with Christ. We must die to our selfishness, die to our sinful desires, and potentially even die to living a life of comfort and security. But the return on that death is eternal life and glory. The reward in heaven pales compared to what it will cost us here on earth. Heart Check.

What does self-denial look like in your daily walk? What might need to be lost in order for you to find true life?


 Deep Dive

 What lessons can be learned about the way Jesus handled the news of John the Baptist’s death?

How does Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand strengthen your faith regarding God’s provision and compassion?

How closely related are faith and doubt? How does Peter illustrate this?

What moment in your life made you say or believe, “Truly you are the Son of God”?

Jesus asked the disciples who they thought He was. If someone asked you who Jesus is, what would you say? Who is He to you?

How can we rely more on the authority and provision of God than our own self-sustenance and self-reliance?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank you for being such a compassionate God.

Even when you were grieving or tired, you still had such a heart for people and had such a desire to meet their needs. Oh how I pray we will be more like this. I pray that we will see the hurting and the hungry and look to what we can o£er them, even if it seems small or insignificant.

We know that if we give even the smallest amount, you can bless and multiply it so that it will impact thousands. We know that there is such a spiritual hunger in the world right now, with people all around us not even realizing that their souls are famished. Let us be bold enough to bring them to you. We don’t need to be fancy, knowledgeable, perfect, or even polished to send out an invitation. Even within our church, there are so many who are missing out on the hearty meals that are only found in your daily bread. So let them come and feast on your Word so they can be transformed by the power of your truth.

I pray that we will have faith that is big enough to step out of the boat. Keep our eyes focused on you, for we know that after we have gone through the teaching, a test is always on the horizon. This isn’t anything to fear, for you are with us, and you will never leave us, even in the midst of the storm. So when challenges arise, I pray that we will not look to them as being impossible or too big for you to handle. May we always walk in faith and not in fear, especially when we face opposition or rejection.

We know that you will never send us out to do something you will not provide strength and resources for. So whatever task you are placing before us today, I pray that we will pick it up, bless you for it, allow the breaking within us, so that we can then go out and give unto others.

We thank you for those you have placed in our lives to be partners. I pray that we will not be resistant to it, but discerning of who you have brought into our lives for specific purposes, and fully trusting that it is for our good. We may very well be the partner someone else is praying for, so I pray that our eyes will be peeled for areas that we can be of assistance. Help us also to trust in your timing.

Sometimes we think that storms need to pass according to our forecast, or that you need to provide a miracle right away, but you don’t always work that way.

The main thing is that we don’t lose hope. And you are our hope. So help us to remember this when we are in the middle of the blessing and the giving, right in the thick of the breaking. That’s the most important step of the process, for it is in the breaking that we learn to fully depend on you and every ounce of pride is wiped away. But when we come out on the other side, we will see things di£erently and be able to relate to others with compassion when they go through something similar. So let us never discount what you are doing through our di£iculties. We know that it is in the struggle that faith is developed and perfected. So we will continue to trust and obey, even when we can’t see the evidence or the end result.

I pray that we have a true understanding of what taking up our cross means. Let us count the cost and follow you, even if it means that we must deny ourselves and sacrifice in order to do so. We know that it is only in the losing of our own life on this earth that we find our true life and purpose, and that is what we are all seeking, whether we know it or not. Even non-Christians want to know their purpose. So give us the strength to embrace what being a true disciple of Christ means, and I pray that we will walk it out boldly and with joy so others will see that it is truly a beautiful life.

Teach us to come away with you and rest, for you are our True and Good Shepherd. We know the world keeps on spinning even when we lie down, so may we never adopt the idea that things will fall apart if we don’t stop moving. We will trust you in your leading, knowing that you will always guide us into places of peace and provision, and never to destruction. Teach us humility and let us always follow your example in serving others and not seeking out recognition or honor. We want to prioritize your Kingdom above all else, so that all who see us know that you are the Christ and Lord and Savior of our lives. May you be glorified in everything we do.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 291 John 6 | Heart Dive 365

October 18

John 6, After crossing the Sea of Galilee, Jesus had compassion for the great multitude of people who had gathered and followed Him. He miraculously multiplied five loaves and two fish to provide food for the multitude of five thousand.

Jesus makes His retreat when the people give the indication they desire to make Him their king. The disciples follow Jesus to Capernaum through the Sea of Galilee. They become fearful when they see Jesus walking on the water toward their boat.

The crowd follows Jesus to Capernaum and inquires of Him about the bread of life He speaks of as He teaches in the synagogue. Many disciples from the multitude who have been following Him become confused and unsatisfied with His responses and decide to no longer follow Him.

The twelve close disciples of Jesus proclaim their loyalty to continue and follow Him.

LOW ESTIMATIONS | John 6:1-6

When Jesus asked this question, Philip’s mind automatically went into the weeds of microeconomics. He began counting the potential cost and running figures, and if he could, he probably would’ve printed some money.

But Jesus was testing him to see if he could rise above to the macro level, where He was at. Sometimes, we limit what Jesus can do purely based on what we assume He can’t or won’t do. Here, Philip assumed Jesus wouldn’t bust out a bu£et for the thousands of people because it seemed like an impossible task by human standards. On the one hand, we have to give Philip a little credit for trying to find a solution rather than just complaining about the problem. But again, he got stuck in the weeds of his estimations. Heart Check.

Have you allowed your own estimations of Christ’s power to keep you from doing the seemingly impossible?


TRUE FOLLOWERS | John 6:25-26

The people asked when Jesus got there, but they were really more interested in the fact that He dug out, and they never knew it. And Jesus confronts them in His answer by telling them why they were there—to get another free meal. They were following Jesus because they were hungry, which wasn’t spiritual hunger. But here, Jesus begins to fiip this idea on its head in getting them to focus on the spiritual rather than the physical. A lot of people today still follow Jesus for selfish reasons. But true followers of Christ are seeking Him in spirit and truth, knowing He is the key to this life and the next. Heart Check.

Are you a true follower? Do you follow Jesus to satisfy physical, emotional, or relational needs? Or do you follow Him because you know that He is the only way to true life both here on earth and in heaven?


 Deep Dive

 How does Jesus’ referral to Himself as the Bread of Life deepen your understanding of what He came to do?

How does Jesus satisfy our spiritual hunger and thirst?

If Jesus wanted us to put more emphasis on the spiritual work that He does, where does the physical work that we do come in to play? At what point?

Humans are selfish by nature. How do we get to a point of seeking Jesus for who He is and not what He can do for us?

Why do you think many of His disciples unfollowed Jesus in the end? How do we see this play out today?

How might we handle di£icult teachings that we may not agree with or that are hard to accept?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, We are here to seek you in spirit and in truth.

 We don’t come to you for what you can give to us, but we come because we know that you are the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one can come to the Father except through you. Thank you for making a way for us when we didn’t deserve it.

I thank you for the way that you are able to take the smallest things and turn them into something miraculous. We trust in you for provision, especially when things seem to be impossible. If we are struggling in the weeds of the details, will you lift us up out of the micro environment and bring us to the 30,000’ level so we can see the greater picture of what you want to do, both in our lives and in the lives of others as it relates to your greater purpose. We know that you can multiply fish and bread, so you can multiply what little we have to offer.

Forgive us if we have sought after anything other than you to satisfy our souls. We know and declare that you truly are the Bread of Life, meaning you sustain us, you fill us up, you nourish our spirits, and you make us hunger for more. I pray that we will hunger and thirst for you above all other things. Draw us close, and as we come near, we trust that you will pull us in even further. We want to grow deeper in our relationship with you, so please fill us with your Presence and love.

When we hit the roadblocks or enter the storms of life, I pray that the thing we look for is you. Sometimes we don’t sense that you are with us, and we feel like we are rowing and getting nowhere, but once we fix our focus, there you are telling us not to fear. Thank you for that reassurance. Your Presence is all we need to calm every fear, so we welcome you in with gladness knowing that you will bring us to the other side every single time.

So we shift our focus today off of the temporary things of this world and on to the eternal. Each day begins and ends with you, so I pray that we will come to you daily and consistently consuming the true food and drink. It is only by your Word that we are able to sustain this life in every realm. Thank you for being the perfect atoning sacrifice for us to make this possible. I pray that you will continue to reveal yourself to us and keep us steadfast, especially in the harder to understand teachings.

Or if there is an offense that we feel in our spirits, may we not react with frustration, but come to you first so that we can respond with faith and perseverance rather than emotion.

I pray that we will have faith like Peter—one that is always willing to follow you wherever you go. There’s no better path than the one that is being illuminated right in front of us. So may we follow after you all the days of our lives.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 292 Matt. 15 & Mark 7| Heart Dive 365

October 19

Matthew 15, Jesus confronts the Pharisees after they accuse Him of not following the ceremonial handwashing traditions. He teaches that it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out, revealing the heart's condition.

Later, a Canaanite woman pleads with Jesus to heal her daughter from demon possession, and her faith leads to her daughter’s healing. The chapter ends with Jesus feeding 4,000 people, emphasizing His compassion and miraculous provision.

Mark 7, The Pharisees accuse Jesus of ignoring ceremonial traditions. Jesus rebukes them, highlighting that their traditions have made them hypocrites, focusing on external purity rather than the purity of the heart.

A Syro-Phoenician woman seeks Jesus’ help for her demon-possessed daughter, and Jesus honors her faith. Additionally, He heals a deaf and mute man, demonstrating His divine authority and power to heal.

PATIENCE IN TEACHING | Matthew 15:10-20

Even though Jesus was a little frustrated that they hadn't understood this truth yet, He didn’t just leave it at a rebuke and say, “I wash my hands of these disciples.” No. We see His compassionate heart, even when His disciples were slow to understand. In another version, He says, “Are you so dull?” or “Are you so hard-headed?” It’s like, how do you still not get it?

How do we respond when others around us don’t seem to understand spiritual truths? Are we quick to lose patience or are we willing to meet them where they are, as Jesus did with His disciples?


WELCOMING | Matthew 15:21-28

Now, I love this part with the Canaanite woman. Jesus turns to His disciples and says, “I came for the lost sheep of Israel,” acknowledging that His mission was first to the Jews. But what’s incredible is her humility. She’s not part of the covenant promise, but she still approaches Jesus in faith. Jesus challenges her, but she responds perfectly.

When He says it’s not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs, He uses a term that means a household pet, something endearing. It’s not a stray dog or something dirty; it’s a loved and cared-for pet. She doesn’t take o£ense. Instead, she says, “Even the dogs eat the crumbs.” She knows she’s not part of the promise, but she’s humbling herself before God.

Are we like the disciples, quick to judge and dismiss those we consider unworthy of God’s grace? How can we show the same compassion that Jesus did?


GRATITUDE & TRUST | Matthew 15:36

 

Next, in the feeding of the 4,000, I love this detail: even Jesus gives thanks before breaking the bread. Even Jesus, the Lord incarnate, thanked His Heavenly Father before the miracle. That’s a lesson for us! Do we stop and give thanks for all God provides, even when the resources seem slim?

Do we give thanks for all the ways God provides, especially in difficult seasons? Are we trusting that He will feed and equip us spiritually as we walk out our faith?


DEFILEMENT FROM WITHIN | Mark 7:1-13

Jesus also points out that it’s what comes out of a person that defiles them, not what goes in. This is a key moment where He’s saying it’s not about external rituals. We need internal transformation. You can be outwardly clean but inwardly a mess. It’s the stu£ in our hearts—our thoughts, words, and attitudes—that really matters. We must guard against that.

Are we focusing more on external rituals or internal purity? How can we guard our hearts from sin that grows from within rather than worrying about external appearances?


TRADITIONS VS GOD’S WORD | Mark 7:1-6

Lastly, this part about traditions is important.

Are the traditions we hold on to truly biblical, or are they man-made? In my own home, my husband and I came from di£erent religious backgrounds, and at first, there were traditions he practiced that I didn’t fully agree with. But over time, after reading the Bible cover to cover, we came to a unified understanding that traditions shouldn’t replace the simplicity of the gospel.

And one quick side note—Jesus didn’t say anything about hygiene. Yes, washing your hands is important for health, but here, He’s focused on spiritual cleanliness, not physical hygiene.

Are we allowing traditions, rules, or human expectations to become equal to God’s Word in our lives? How can we remove man-made legalism and return to the simplicity of the Gospel?


 Deep Dive

 How does Jesus' teaching about inner purity challenge our focus on outward appearances and rituals today?

What does the Canaanite woman’s faith teach us about humility and persistence in prayer?

In what ways can man-made traditions distract us from the true essence of God’s Word? How do we safeguard against this?

Why is Jesus’ patience with His disciples in both rebuke and teaching a model for how we should approach discipleship today?

How do the feeding of the 4,000 and Jesus' continual healings emphasize His compassion and provision? How can we trust God’s provision in our own lives?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link

Holly's Printable Notes Link

Holly's Deep Dive Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts open, seeking to understand and live out the truths found in Your Word.

 We acknowledge that, like the Pharisees, we often get caught up in man-made rules, traditions, and external appearances. Help us to remember that what truly matters is the condition of our hearts before You. Teach us to focus on the purity that comes from within and to rid ourselves of any sin that takes root in our lives.

Lord, we thank You for Your patience with us. We see in Your response to the disciples that You understand our shortcomings and that You are always willing to guide us when we don’t understand. Help us to have a teachable spirit and the willingness to ask for help when we need it. Let us also have the same compassion and patience with others as they grow in their faith, knowing that we are all on a journey toward deeper understanding.

Father, we ask for Your heart when we encounter those whom we might deem unworthy of Your grace. Like the Canaanite woman, give us the humility to approach You with faith, knowing that Your mercy extends to all. Help us to be inclusive and compassionate, refiecting Your love to everyone, regardless of background or status.

We are reminded, Lord, of Your constant provision. Just as You fed the multitudes, You provide for us spiritually each day. We give thanks for the blessings in our lives and ask that You continue to feed us with Your Word, so we do not grow weary or faint on our journey of faith.

May we walk confidently, knowing that You are always with us, equipping us for the task ahead. Finally, Lord, guide us as we seek to follow You in both word and deed. Let us not be distracted by the noise of the world or the burdens of human expectations. Instead, let us cling to Your truth and Your Word, trusting that You are all we need.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 293 Matthew 16 & Mark 8| Heart Dive 365

October 20

Matthew 16, The religious leaders of Israel press Jesus to provide a sign that He is the Messiah they have awaited. The disciples are warned to beware of false doctrines spoken by the religious leaders and asked who they believe Jesus' true identity is. Jesus reveals the mission of the Messiah and what His followers should expect to encounter when they give their lives to Him.

Mark 8, The power of Jesus feeds a multitude of four thousand people.The Pharisees test Jesus' claim that God sent him and a man is cured of his blindness. Simon declares his belief in Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus reveals the Messiah's true mission and what is expected of those who choose to follow Him.

MIRACLES & SIGNS | Matthew 16:1-4

Jesus could’ve easily called down fire or sent another plague just to tickle their fancy, but He knew where their hearts were. After all, He had just fulfilled hundreds of prophecies and performed amazing miracles, yet their hearts were so hardened that nothing would convince them at this point. Not even a miracle in the sky would change anything.

If our hearts are waiting for Jesus to prove Himself to us before we fully believe or commit ourselves, it will never happen because He has already done it. If we are closed o£ to what He’s already done and the thousands of years that include testimony after testimony, we will never gain any more revelation.

But when we are open to the miracles of God, we will begin to see them everywhere. Heart Check.

Are you waiting on God to prove Himself to you? Or are you able to see His miracles all around you?


DECLARATION | Matthew 16:13-17

This confession was a big deal because it was not based on life circumstances or emotions. Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ because the Father revealed it to Him. He didn’t profess His faith because he had seen miracles or had his prayers answered.

Many people will start going to church because something is wrong or something incredible happened to them. But the moment their circumstances change, their feelings take over, and they stop going. The church is not made up of the fickle. The church Jesus is talking about are those who have made a decision and a declaration to follow Him because He is the Christ. Those are the ones who the power and forces of evil will not overcome. Heart Check.

Have you made this declaration and decision that you will follow Jesus because He is the Son of God and the Christ? Or are you following Him because you need Him to do something for you?


SET YOUR MIND | Matthew 16:21-23

Even though Peter decided to follow Christ and had declared publicly and in his heart that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, it didn’t keep him from doing squirrely things because he was still human after all. And Jesus strongly rebukes him here because he stood in the way of what needed to happen. Because he was only thinking short-term and focused on the opinions and actions of man, he was completely missing what God was doing.

If we are only focused on the things around us and not on how God is always working them for our good, we just might get in the way of what God is trying to do. Heart Check.

Where have you set your mind? On things of God or things of man?


WORKING WORDS | Mark 8:31-33

Before this, Jesus had just a£irmed Peter’s ability to hear from the Father, which may have led to Peter having confidence and comfort with Jesus, leading him to take his authority a little too far. Earlier, he was acting as a messenger of God when he professed that Jesus was the Christ and the Son of God, and now he just as quickly acted as a messenger of Satan.

A lot of the time, we don’t realize how easily our words can be used as tools for either side. When people send me messages or receive letters in my P.O. Box, it is often an encouraging word that I need at that very moment. And then there are the sideline critics who come to attack without good reason, and they likely don’t realize that they are working for the devil when they decide to spew hateful words. Heart Check.

Do you ever consider who your words are working for?


 Deep Dive

 How does recognizing Jesus as the Messiah impact the way you live on a day-to-day basis?

What steps can you take to strengthen your spiritual foundation and ensure you are building on the Rock of Ages and not on the things of this world?

What have we been given authority over to bind and loose (forbid and permit)?

What expectations might you have of God that limits your ability to see things clearly?

How can we live more boldly for Christ, especially when it is unpopular or unaccepted?

How can we prioritize our spiritual health over temporary achievements or worldly success?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are the Living God.

 Jesus, we declare that you are indeed the Son of God, the Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Help us to live each day with full recognition but also application of this belief. This is the foundation of everything we will do as we walk out our lives on this earth. We recognize the way you have fulfilled the prophetic and cannot deny that you are the Lamb of God who gave up everything for our sake. Where we have fallen short of seeing this, I pray for greater understanding so that we stop seeking for more signs or for you to prove yourself to us. You have gone above and beyond, not because you were trying to convince us, but because you love us and your greatest desire is to do the Father’s will, which was to bring us back home. Thank you for doing that. You didn’t have to.

Heighten our discernment of any “leaven” that may be making its way into our thoughts or hearts. We know that it only takes a little, so may we leave no room for any misguidance. I pray that we will fill ourselves up with your truth and your Spirit so nothing else can invade. Increase our faith to continue to believe everything that you have spoken and done, and may we never forget it.

You are our solid rock, our firm foundation, our Cornerstone, and our Rock of Ages. It is upon you that we build our own lives so that we can be the living stones of your church. It isn’t our pastor’s church or anyone else’s. It’s your church. What an honor it is to be a part of it. Thank you for the reminder that the gates of hell shall never prevail against it, which means that they will not prevail against us.

Rea£irm the authority that you have given us to be able to forbid evil and sin and to permit liberty, joy, and love. And as we walk in that authority, we pave the way for others to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Help us to set our minds on things above, and not just on the things of this world or the things of man. We know that we all fall short, just as Peter did, but your grace covers us in our times of weakness. We know that we can get in our own way, so please forgive us if we have ever resisted what you were trying to do in and through us. Give us the strength and direction to submit fully to your plans. Thank you for providing for our every need, just the way that you did with the multitudes. I pray that we will always recognize where every blessing comes from and always have a heart of gratitude, even in the smallest of things.

Open our spiritual eyes today so that we can see more clearly. We know that sometimes this is a gradual process, so help us to have grace on ourselves and not give up so easily when we feel like we are missing the mark or falling behind. You always touched people in such personal ways, and we know that you are doing the same with us. You can work in the unexpected, so I pray that we won’t be so closed o£ by our own expectations or ideas of how you work. Please continue to lead us into a deeper awareness of your power and love, and may our actions, words, and decisions align with our confession that you are Lord of our lives.

We know that you have called us to take up our cross and follow you, which means we may be subjected to shame, rejection, or maybe even some su£ering, but in enduring that and in denying ourselves, we will find true life. Forgive us for ever prioritizing our own comfort over obedience. Sometimes we struggle to surrender our plans to your will because we simply don’t understand it. But please show us how to surrender our desires, ambitions, dreams, and our daily lives to you. You have set before us a path that will prosper us and not harm us, so may we not lose our footing along the way. Show us what it means to carry our cross daily and to follow you with a heart full of faith and trust. Give us an eternal perspective so that we can see things from that 30,000’ level. We know and trust that nothing in this world is worth losing our souls. You are our everything so may we seek your Kingdom above all.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 294 Matthew 17 & Mark 9 | Heart Dive 365

October 21

Matthew 17, Peter, James, and John follow Jesus as He climbs a high mountain and is transformed so that His face shines like the sun and His clothes are as white as light. Moses and Elijah are seen standing talking with Jesus, and a voice from heaven declares Jesus God's beloved Son.

The disciples discuss with Jesus it being written that Elijah must come before the Son of Man. Jesus casts out a demon from a boy that His disciples cannot, providing a valuable lesson of faith. The disciples are confronted about the temple tax.

Mark 9, Mark tells the account he heard of Jesus' transfiguration on the mountain. He recalls Peter, James, and John admitting to the appearance of Elijah and Moses standing with Jesus and Peter's wrong assumption out of fear.

The disciples' lack of faith prevents them from saving a boy from the demons that plague him. Jesus steps in and casts out the demon. Jesus reminds the twelve disciples of His mission as the Messiah.

The disciples argue among themselves who will be considered the greatest in the kingdom of God. Jesus corrects their thinking to be more heaven-minded.

VOICE FOR TOMORROW | Matthew 17:1-13

Jesus often pulled Peter, James, and John aside and prepared them for something yet to come. He would speak a word, and they would be amazed because it wouldn’t make sense in the context of that particular day. But lo and behold, come a week later, that very word that Jesus spoke would come to fruition, and then they would be like, “That’s what He meant when He said…”

How many times do we experience this when we read God’s Word and, a few days later, recall something He spoke to our hearts and realize that He was preparing us for this very moment?

But if we aren’t open to that preparation and just skim-read, thinking, “Nothing is speaking to me today,” then we will likely remain discouraged because we will miss the personal words that He speaks to us. His Word is alive and active and spans all time, meaning what is spoken today is true for tomorrow and the next days, all throughout eternity. I recommend taking notes and writing them down, because our minds are fickle. Heart Check.

How much preparation do you see the Lord doing in you through His Word? Are you open to hearing His voice for tomorrow?


MOVING MOUNTAINS | Matthew 17:20

If faith is the size of a mustard seed, it can move mountains, and Jesus called the disciples’ faith “little,” which tells me they were possibly trying to cast out this demon on their own strength. We all have mountains in our lives—those situations seem impossible, too hard, or too lofty for us to overcome. And the truth is, it is impossible… without Jesus.

But if we have the smallest amount of genuine faith that brings us to our knees in prayer, what begins to shift is our perspective.

The mountain will suddenly become smaller as our God becomes greater. Our position changes, and we move from a place of discouragement as He lifts us up to higher ground to now see above the peaks. Our posture changes from hanging our heads to looking up at the One who can get us over the hill. We move mountains when we put our faith into motion. Heart Check.

What is mounting up in your life? How big is your faith and how have you put it into motion?


SERVANT HEART | Mark 9:35

This is a big challenge that Jesus is proposing to be the last of all and servant of all. This is known as a paradox—a statement that goes against human logic. It is more human nature to be the greatest of all and to be served. No one likes to be in last place, and the words “servant” or “slave” have a bad taste in most of our mouths. But Jesus wants us to embrace this way of living because it refiects His nature.

I was talking to my children about this yesterday after a young girl approached me in our bagel shop and asked what I did for a living. She saw me editing on Adobe Premiere, and as an aspiring filmmaker, her curiosity was piqued. So we chatted a bit, and I offered to help her however I could. And my kids later asked why I always do these things for free.

That was an excellent opportunity to explain this concept of “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” But I also explained that when you take on this kind of heart, the Lord gives you favor in so many other ways, and they fully understand because that has been proven in our family. Heart Check.

Where are you on the greatness scale? Do you truly have a servant’s heart? Or are you striving to “make it” so you can be served?


KINDNESS | Mark 9:41

Jesus is showing us to not only be hospitable but also generous to everyone around us, not just Christians. Even the smallest acts of kindness will be rewarded in heaven. Heart Check.

How might you show kindness to someone today?


TRULY GREAT | Mark 9

In the end, Jesus has just shown the disciples how to be truly great:

1.      Treat all men equally, especially when they can do nothing for you.

2.      Be kind, especially to those outside your holy huddle.

3.      Be sensitive to others’ weaknesses

4.      Deal with yourself radically

5.      Live peaceably with all men.

Heart Check.

Knowing what it means to be truly great, how great are you? What area might you be able to work on?


 Deep Dive

 The transfiguration was a glimpse at the glory of God. How does God reveal His glory to us or give us glimpses of heaven?

The disciples often needed further explanation when Jesus spoke. How does this strengthen your faith when you don’t understand, and how can you seek better clarity through scripture and prayer?

How can we overcome unbelief or doubt?

Why is Jesus’ teaching on greatness so di£erent from the world’s view? How can we truly wrap our minds around this and teach it to others?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, You told us to listen to your Son, so here we are with our ears peeled to your Word.

 We stand in awe of your glory that is revealed to us through it but also in the way that you open up the windows of heaven and give us a glimpse every day. I pray that our eyes are open to be able to see it. Help us to see you more clearly each day so that we can follow your leading in everything we do. And should we fall down in dismay, we thank you for the way that you always come to lift our heads and reassure us that we need not fear. We don’t want to miss your glory because we are too wrapped up in our sorrow.

Forgive us for any times when we may have doubted or had little to no faith in what you could do in the impossible. Please strengthen our faith so that we can overcome any challenge that we face. I pray that we will continually store up your Word in our hearts so that when we do end up at the base of the mountain, we will be able to get to our knees and recall every promise that you have spoken along the way. Thank you for preparing us for what is yet to come. Help us to hear your voice for tomorrow and store up your promises so that we will be able to shift our perspective when something seems immoveable. Give us the courage to face di£iculties with confidence, knowing that you are always with us.

Please teach us humility and help us to display it the way that you did. I pray that we won’t only act out of obligation, but rather serve others and act with love and grace so that we refiect your heart. I pray that we will be a people who always strive for unity and avoid unnecessary confiict or o£ense. We are called to be the light in dark places, so I pray that we will be just that and never snu£ out the light in others.

We bring you every struggle, I pray that we will be like those parents and friends who were wild in their pursuit of you when they were interceding on behalf of others. We know that like the father who cried out, “Help my unbelief,” there are times when we struggle with a little bit of doubt. But help us to fully trust in your power, especially in the overwhelming moments of life when things seem impossible. We know that all things are possible for those who believe. So we will continue to be persistent in prayer, knowing that sometimes it is necessary to keep us close to you.

Help us to understand the true meaning of greatness and to live it out with humble servant hearts that are willing to serve others. Help us to put others’ needs above our own and to treat everyone with kindness, especially those who cannot do anything for us in return. I pray that our eyes will be open to see who is in our boat and stop finding reasons to sink it. If they are not against Biblical teaching, then we know that are with us on the same mission. Show us how we can share truth in love always.

If there is anything on our path that may cause us to stumble, help us to deal radically with it. I pray that we will not be a stumbling block for others. We want our lives to bring you glory in everything we do so that we can lead others to know you as well. So keep us salty, preserving your Word in our hearts and changing the fiavor of the rooms we walk into. May we be a people who strive for unity and be at peace with all men. Let it be done.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 295 Matthew 18 | Heart Dive 365

October 22

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 Matthew 18, The disciples argue about who they think is the greatest of the twelve and who will be elevated when the kingdom of God is ushered in.

Themes of humility, forgiveness, and God's character are discussed. Confiict should be avoided whenever possible, and how to deal with sin within the community of believers is also stated.

Jesus compares sin and God's forgiveness to a debt owed between servants and masters.

CHILDISH VS CHILDLIKE | Matthew 18:1-4

The disciples were being childish and petty in their fight for greatness. When Jesus says to be like a child, this isn’t Him telling us to be petty, but instead having that innocence of a child before they are corrupted in their minds by society.

This is a call to humility, sincerity, sensitivity, and simplicity. He doesn’t want us to be concerned about social status, nor does he want us to have critical or cynical spirits. When I sit at the park and watch all the kids playing, it is one of the most beautiful things to see children running around with so much freedom. They have smiles on their faces, they’re laughing, and it’s as if there are no cares in the world.

That’s what our Father wants to see in us when He looks down from Heaven. Heart Check.

What does the Father see when He looks at you? Are you the one joyfully running around on the playground with a childlike spirit? Or is there childish behavior and concern with petty issues?


CUT IT OUT | Matthew 18:7-9

Again, this is not a call to self-harm, but rather a command to cut o£ any stumbling blocks that may be causing you to sin. This could be a relationship that is ungodly, going to places that are filled with temptation, habits that need to be broken, or any other practice that leads to sin, whether it is something you’re watching, scrolling through, or reading. Heart Check.

Is there anything in your life that is causing you to sin that needs to be cut off or cut out?


FORGIVE | Matthew 18:23-35

In the end, this man failed to live by the Golden Rule to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. He had no problem being on the receiving end of forgiveness but once he was the one to have to dish it out.

To his defense, forgiveness is hard when we are doing it on our own strength.

But once we truly grasp and understand how completely forgiven we are by Jesus, it becomes so much easier, because in realizing how incredibly undeserving we are, we can view others through His eyes of grace. Jesus doesn’t owe us anything, so we have a greater obligation to forgive than He does. He payed all of our debts. If we refuse to forgive others, it’s as if we are saying that His payment wasn’t enough, and we set ourselves above His law of love.

So it is our duty as Christians to forgive. Heart Check.

Is there someone you need to forgive today?

**It’s also important to point out that we are not God, and therefore, forgiveness can be one-sided, meaning repentance is not necessary for us to forgive someone. We can also forgive without physically reconciling, because not every relationship is approved by God or beneficial, especially if we are still weak or fragile. So we can reconcile in our spirits and forgive someone without maintaining an unhealthy relationship with them.


 Deep Dive

 How can we cultivate humility?

Who does the “one” out of 99 represent? How can we be like Christ in going after them?

What is the danger of harboring resentment?

How do we demonstrate forgiveness? What does it look like practically?

What are the benefits of two or three gathering in His name?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank you for showing us what kingdom living looks like.

 We know that the prerequisite of entering into the kingdom of heaven is humility. Help us to let go of any pride that may be hindering us from having a childlike spirit. We want to be like children who fully trust and depend on their parents for everything they need. We want to maintain an innocence and purity so that we are not looking at the world through scratched up lenses.

Help us to live that simple and free life that radiates joy. And may we be examples to those younger than us, never causing them to stumble, but leading them in the way everlasting. Protect our children, Lord. Protect the innocence of their minds and spirits. Where the enemy is trying to infiltrate in their schools and wherever their eyes land, we bind that spirit of deceitfulness and plead for your angels to watch over and protect them.

Show us if there is anything in our lives that may be causing us to stumble. Give us the tools to cut it off or cut it out of our lives. We know that these things are hindrances to our relationship with you and with others. We want to live our lives in holiness and righteousness so that we can shine your light and love to the world.

Thank you for seeking us out when we were lost. We are so grateful for the way that you love us both collectively and individually. Your unconditional love is so beautifully on display, so help us to have that same kind of heart, that goes after those who are wandering and never stops seeking them out. I pray that when they return, we will receive them with joy and not with condemnation.

Please help us to be forgiving, just the way that you have been with us. Free our hearts from any bitterness or resentment that we may be harboring. We were so undeserving of your forgiveness, yet you poured out your life to pay our debts.

Please give us the courage to do the same for others as we grant forgiveness, even if someone is unwilling to make things right. May we never forget the great mercy that you have shown us, and please help us to extend that to others. We can’t do it on our own, so we plead for your help. Please fill us today with compassion, grace, and love, and may it fiow through us as we walk out our faith.

Help us to be merciful and forgiving beyond measure. Live with childlike spirit in humility like children. Care about others by speaking truth in love. Forgive others as you forgave us. Apart from your Spirit working in our hearts, we are bankrupt and unable to forgive. Let these things be real in our lives

 

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 296 John 7-8 | Heart Dive 365

October 23

John 7, During the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus enters Jerusalem secretly to avoid the religious leaders who are seeking His life.

When He speaks in the synagogue of Jerusalem, the religious leaders are suspicious of Jesus' ability to read and understand doctrine without a formal education. They suppose He is crazy or at least possessed by a demon and attempt to have Him arrested. The arrest fails, and Nicodemus comes to speak to Jesus under cover of the night.

John 8, As Jesus is teaching in the temple early in the morning, and the religious leaders bring to Him a woman caught in the act of adultery. Hoping to trap Him in hypocrisy, they ask if she should be stoned. Jesus saves the woman from her accusers, and the religious leaders walk away frustrated.

Jesus declares Himself the Light of the world and explains His dependence on the Father. Jesus o£ers freedom to all and provides clarification that descending from Abraham is not enough to save a person. He questions and challenges them to examine if their hearts belong to God or if they are in opposition to Him.

Jesus declares He is the I AM.

DOOR OF OBEDIENCE | John 7:17

So many of us want knowledge, wisdom, and revelation from the Lord. Jesus gives us the key right here to how to get it—do the will of the Father, and then you will know.

Even though I have been reading and studying the Bible for more than 30 years, the knowledge and revelation I have gained these past two years has far surpassed the collective knowledge I gained throughout my life. I know it’s because I am right in the center of His will for my life. It has nothing to do with my ability. Obedience will open the door to revelation. Heart Check.

Are you doing His will? Is He revealing Himself to you through the open door of obedience?


SET FOCUS | John 7:31-36

Jesus often dumbfounded the Pharisees because, in their minds, He was controversial, and they thought His words were incendiary. But Jesus was not afraid of His words starting fires because His mind was set on heaven, and He didn’t fear man. The problem with most of us is that we create undue anxiety within ourselves, and most of the time, we can trace it to fear of man.

But when we set our focus on heaven and we begin to do the will of the Father, there is a di£erent orientation, where you will be able to operate in more authority and boldness just the way that Jesus did. Heart Check.

Where is your focus set?


CASTING JUDGMENT | John 8:7

This is yet another teaching on looking inward before you try to point out everyone else’s sin. Jesus wasn’t going against the Law here—He told them they could stone her for this capital o£ense, but the one to cast the first stone would need to be sinless.

In doing this, He is focusing their attention on mercy and forgiveness. This is our role as Christians—to show love, mercy, compassion, and forgiveness. The role of the Father is to judge. If we are quick to pass judgment on people, we are acting as though we are sinless. Heart Check.

Are you quick to pass judgment on others? Do you consider your own sin first? How much mercy, compassion, and forgiveness do you offer?


IDENTITY | John 8:12-20

Jesus is once again fiashing the credentials that the Pharisees were asking for earlier. He is telling them that He does these things by the authority and witness of His Father. Sadly, they don’t accept this type of identification, but it doesn’t sway Jesus either way, because He’s so secure in His identity.

I’ve been getting quite a few requests lately for my “credentials.” This is something that used to intimidate me, knowing that I had no o£icial piece of paper that “qualified me” to do ministry… but I do. I have 1500 pages of qualification right here in His Word. The only credential we need is the truth of God’s Word and knowing what He has commissioned us to do, which is to go throughout the world and teach people His Word. Knowing that I am the daughter of the King of Kings is all the security I need. Heart Check.

Are you secure in your identity?


 Deep Dive

 How important is divine timing? How can we cultivate patience when waiting on the Lord?

How might we create an environment where people feel safe to express their possible di£ering beliefs without fear of judgment?

How do you react when others challenge your beliefs? How should we react?

What spiritual disciplines can keep us filled with the Living Water? How can we pour it out for others?

What does the light of Christ mean to you? How is His light on display in the world?

How can we be set free from sin that we feel enslaved by?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the truth of your Word that sets us free.

Every Word you speak and everything you do is always right on time. You are never early, never late, so I pray that we will have patience in waiting for your plans, knowing that you are working them for our good. Give us the wisdom we need to see your hand at work in all things and keep us humble and open to correction always.

Jesus, you always showed so much constraint, calmness, and patience, so please help us to be the same. Even when your own brothers didn’t believe in you, you still displayed so much grace and compassion. I pray that we will be the same, especially when we face misunderstanding or opposition. Help us to remain faithful, with our eyes focused on you so that we do not seek the approval of man. You are the only identification we need, so please secure us in our faith and identity today.

As we set our focus and obey, we know that you will reveal even more of yourself to us. We want more of you and less of the chaos of this world. Fill us afresh today so that all fear, doubt, and anxieties will fiee. May your Living Water fiow over us, in us, and through us so that we can not only experience the fullness of your Presence, but so that we can also bring it with us everywhere we go. We want to be a people who refresh others and bring joy and peace into the room. That will come when we walk in your Spirit.

We thank you for the love and compassion that you showed the woman who was caught in adultery. In a way, we are all like her. We have all sinned and have felt the heaviness of shame when we are caught in our sin.

But we have also experienced the freedom of your forgiveness as you poured out your grace and mercy. I pray that we will do the same for others. We don’t want to put more shackles on people—we want to set them free! Show us how to do that, for it is only by your Spirit that it will be done. But we can help to guide them to you. Let us be examples of what it means to truly walk in freedom, leaving behind anything that holds us back from living fully for you.

If there is anything that is holding us captive today, set us free. Break the chains so we can grab hold of you and live in the joy and peace that only you can give. We want to hear your truth in its fullness so please remove any jealousy, pride, or lies of the devil that are keeping us from hearing from you.

I pray that your light will shine brightly in our lives. Illuminate the dark corners of our hearts and guide us in your truth as we walk in your footsteps that are before us. In you, there is no darkness, so may we abide in you and you in us so that others will see your goodness and be drawn to your love.

Jesus, you are the Light of the World and the Great I Am. I pray that this will be the foundation of our lives as we walk in the confidence and authority of your power, love, and sovereignty over all things. We pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 297 John 9-10 | Heart Dive 365

October 24

John 9, The disciples encounter a blind man and question what sin could have caused him to be born blind. Jesus corrects their misguided thinking and gives sight to the blind man.

The Pharisees question the formerly blind man and how he gained his sight. They are furious with his answer and defense of Jesus and excommunicate him from the temple. The man comes to faith in who Jesus is, and Jesus discusses who the truly blind in this world are.

John 10, In this chapter, Jesus examines the relationship between shepherds and their sheep. Jesus claims He has power over life and death and is once again accused of being demon-possessed.

The Feast of Dedication is celebrated in Jerusalem, and the religious leaders confront Jesus about being the promised Messiah. Jesus declares Himself and the Father are One.

Jesus travels beyond the Jordan River, and many people believe in Him as their Messiah.

ANALYZING PROBLEMS | John 9:1-4

Rather than figuring out how to help this blind man, the disciples just wanted to know how he got into this position. They assumed that either his sin or his family’s sin caused this condition.

We can easily say, “That’s so insensitive,” but how many of us do this?

When we see people begging on the streets, we talk about their addiction or bad choices that landed them here. Or even if we get sick or stumble upon hard times, many times we will think, “What have I done wrong?” But Jesus simply says, “We need to help him while we can.” Heart Check.

When you see a problem or someone in need, do you analyze why they’re in the position they’re in? Or do you simply help them where you can without question?


ONE THING | John 9:25

Whether this man was afraid to state the whole truth about who Jesus was or he simply didn’t know, one thing he was not afraid to say is what Jesus did for him.

As the days roll on, it seems that Christians are being confronted more and more with social issues that put us in a position to potentially be chastised by the masses, especially if we don’t have a firm footing on what God’s Word says about these issues. But where we can absolutely stand firm without anyone reviling us is how Jesus has changed our lives. We should be able to pinpoint at least the one thing He has done to turn our lives around. Heart Check.

Fill in the blanks with your personal encounter with Jesus: I was ___________ but now I _.


TRUE LEADERSHIP | John 10:1-6

The word being used here for shepherd is the same word that translates to pastor. In these first six verses, Jesus describes Himself as a shepherd and declares what authentic leadership looks like under pastoral care.

So true leaders are called by God. They gain their position through proper entry, they know their fiock, and the fiock knows them. They gently lead rather than lording over people, and they go before the fiock, meaning they will never call their people to do something or go somewhere that they wouldn’t do or go to.

On the fiip side, false teachers or leaders will gain positions for their own glory through political means, manipulation, or even corruption. Because they hold themselves so “above” others, they won’t be aware of the condition of their fiock, they won’t be accessible, and they won’t lead but instead lord over their people. They will be pushy, demanding, and sometimes even outright abusive. Heart Check.

What kind of leadership are you under? Or what kind of leader are you?


THE ABUNDANT LIFE | John 10:11

We could spend all day talking about the abundant life. The Greek word for abundant is perissos, which implies a surplus, meaning you have more than enough to live out your life here on earth before it is fully completed in heaven. The abundant life on earth isn’t a promise of ease or comfort but a life of contentment.

It knows that no matter what, Jesus will meet your every need, and because so, you will have a larger view of life and more vision, the gifts and abilities to carry it out, and a deep-rooted joy that will bring full satisfaction.

It’s the ability to rise above life’s more challenging circumstances while keeping your eyes focused on the Shepherd and listening for His voice, knowing He is guiding and protecting you. It’s a rested life that has peace that surpasses all understanding. And the person who lives the abundant life lives to honor the True Shepherd. Heart Check.

How abundant is your life?


 Deep Dive

 How can Jesus turn di£iculties to opportunities for His glory?

What caused the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees? How can this still happen with Christians?

Note the progression of the blind man’s faith. Map out your faith progression. How do you truly view Jesus?

How can we better recognize the voice of Jesus in our lives?

How can we guard against false shepherds?

How does Jesus’ declaration of being one with the Father better shape your understanding of who He is?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your healing touch.

 We are all here because we were once spiritually blind but now we can see. We see how you have redeemed our failures and set us free from the bondage of sin. We see you power on display through your Word and in our lives. Please continue to open our eyes so that we can see how you are continuing to pour out your Spirit and do the miraculous all over the world. Give us faith to believe in your purpose, especially when it doesn’t make sense. And I pray that instead of focusing on what is wrong or what is failing, please help us to open ourselves up to you so that you can use those things for your glory.

If we are blind in any way, please transform our hearts. Remove anything that is keeping us from being able to see you clearly or from being able to understand your will and purpose. Show us where we may need a healing touch and I pray that we will be responsive when you tell us to go and wash. Thank you for the cleansing and purifying power of your Holy Spirit.

If we ever come face to face with criticism or doubt because of our faith, please give us the courage to boldly stand firm so that we can testify of your goodness. We want to be a living testimony to be able to tell others that we were once blind but now we can see! We want the world to see you, so that your love and grace can grow in exponential ways. That is what would heal this broken world.

We pray for breakthrough today for those who are waiting on a miracle. Even if they don’t see a miraculous healing, I pray that there would be breakthrough in their faith and ability to see your mighty hand that is working in and through them. Give us all patience to endure in the times of waiting, and in the meantime, may our ears be extra sensitive to the leading of your voice.

You are indeed the True and Good Shepherd who has laid down His life for His fiock. We are your sheep and we are listening for your voice. Thank you for calling us distinctly by name and leading us beside still waters. You restore our souls!

Thank you for loving us, protecting us, and guiding us with so much grace and love. I pray that we will not be led astray by the deceitful voice of the those who come to steal and destroy.

We surrender every fear and doubt to you today that says we are doomed for destruction. We know whose hands we are in and we cannot be snatched away. So we pray that while we are here, we will live the abundant life, knowing that you provide everything that we need. We desire to live our lives with purpose, peace, joy, and contentment. Show us how to do that.

I pray that our lives will be lived out in such a way that bears witness to who you are. I pray that we will honor our identity in Christ by the way we treat others, and in doing so, I pray that others will be led to your throne of grace.

Thank you for continuing to grow our understanding of who you are. We worship you, our Lord Jesus, and pray these things in your name.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 298 Luke 10 | Heart Dive 365

October 25

In Luke 10, Jesus appoints and sends out 72 disciples in pairs, instructing them to prepare people for His arrival by proclaiming God’s kingdom and healing the sick. He tells them to travel light, focus on their mission, and expect both welcoming and rejection. On their return, the disciples rejoice over the authority they've experienced, yet Jesus reminds them to rejoice instead in their salvation.

Jesus then praises the Father for revealing spiritual truths to the "childlike" and shares the privilege of knowing God’s mysteries with His disciples. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, He teaches that true love for one’s neighbor transcends social boundaries and is shown through compassion and mercy. The chapter concludes with Jesus visiting Mary and Martha, where He commends Mary for prioritizing spiritual closeness over busyness, highlighting the value of listening and being present with God.

PRAY FOR LABORERS | Luke 10:1-3

Right here, we have two key points that I want to bring to your attention. As I was reading through the commentary in Exalting Jesus in Luke, they laid out a little instruction list, so I want to make sure I give them credit where credit is due—I try to do that when I can remember. They said that Jesus gives these 70 or 72 people instructions throughout these next few chapters, five to be precise. We’ve just read two of them.

The first one was to pray earnestly. Yes, He said, “Pray for the laborers, pray for them, pray for their work, and pray for them to come and do the work.” So, heart check:

Are we preparing the way for Jesus in our own circles? Are we willing to pray for laborers, and what if we are the answer to that prayer?


BE MEEK | Luke 10:1-3

The second instruction was to go meekly. Did you catch that? He said He was sending out “lambs to the wolves.” When I’d read that before, I didn’t quite understand it. But now that I’m in this ministry, now that I’m doing something more in the public eye, I know that we are lambs, we are part of His fiock, and He is our Shepherd. And as we go and present this word—which we’ll see later in the book of Luke—He didn’t come for peace; He came for division. And I won’t explain that yet because we’re getting to that. But His word is meant for all, even though not all will receive it. When that happens, division will occur. Jesus is that dividing line.

So, the wolves are going to come out—including our adversary, the enemy, who’s looking for us and will attack us viciously sometimes. We need to prepare our hearts to retaliate like a lamb. So, heart check:

How do we respond to opposition when we share the gospel? Do we face it with the humility of lambs, trusting in God’s protection?


RECEIVE OR REJECT | Luke 10:5

Receiving and Rejecting Peace: Jesus tells them to o£er peace to every house they enter. If they are welcomed, the peace will remain. If they are rejected, they are to move on, symbolically shaking the dust o£ their feet. This shows that the message is more important than forcing it upon others. Heart Check:

How do we react when others reject the gospel? Do we shake off rejection and continue sharing with others?


REJOICE RIGHTLY | Luke 10:17-24

Later on in verses 17–24, the disciples return, celebrating their success in casting out demons in Jesus’ name.But Jesus reminds them not to rejoice in that power, but because their names are “written in heaven.” It’s important to keep our focus on what truly matters. This reminder from Jesus points us to where our deepest joy should be rooted, in our salvation and our relationship with God, rather than in earthly victories or miracles. So let’s ask ourselves, heart check:

Are we fnding joy in the right things? Is our deepest joy rooted in our salvation and our relationship with God?


MYSTERY REVEALED | Luke 10:21-24

Jesus praises God for revealing His truths to the childlike and humble, not to the wise and clever. God delights in using the humble and the teachable for His purposes. Heart Check:

Do we approach God’s Word with a humble, childlike heart, or do we rely on our own wisdom and intellect?


MYSTERY REVEALED | Luke 10:38-42

Finally, I’ll wrap up with a story from the end of Luke 10, the story of Mary and Martha. Martha was distracted by all she felt she needed to do. While we are called to be good stewards and serve others, Jesus is clear that our service should not replace our spiritual intimacy with Him.

Being constantly busy can lead to worry and anxiety if it’s not balanced by time with God. Martha’s busyness caused her to miss the one necessary thing—being in Jesus’ presence. And that’s what Mary chose. So, heart check:

Are we doing the “Martha” activities with a “Mary” heart attitude? Are we finding time to sit at Jesus' feet?


 Deep Dive

 What does it mean to pray for laborers in the Kingdom of God? How can we be part of that prayer and action?

Why does Jesus refer to His disciples as lambs among wolves? What does this teach us about the nature of Christian mission and opposition?

Why does Jesus emphasize peace when His disciples enter homes? How can we practice bringing peace into the places we are called to serve?

What does Jesus’ statement about rejoicing in our salvation teach us about our priorities in ministry and life?

How does Jesus’ thanksgiving for the Father’s will highlight the importance of humility and childlike faith in understanding God's Kingdom?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link

Holly's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the message of Luke 10.

Thank You for sending out laborers into Your harvest field, and for the reminder that we are all called to share in this mission. Help us to earnestly pray for more workers in Your field, and to be willing to go where You lead us. Lord, we acknowledge the dangers we may face as lambs among wolves, but we trust in Your protection and guidance. Strengthen our hearts to remain humble, gentle, and meek, knowing that Your power works through our weakness.

Father, we ask for peace to dwell in the homes we enter and the conversations we have. May we be vessels of Your peace, bringing hope and light wherever we go. And if we face rejection, grant us the grace to shake the dust o£ our feet and continue in the mission You have set before us.

 

Lord, remind us not to find our worth in the works we do, but in the fact that our names are written in heaven. Let our greatest joy be found in the gift of salvation and in knowing that we are part of Your Kingdom. Teach us to rejoice in Your will, just as Jesus rejoiced in Your perfect plan. Thank You for revealing Your truths to the humble and the childlike. We ask for hearts that are open, teachable, and willing to receive Your Word with joy and simplicity.

As we go forward, may we walk in the boldness of Your calling and the assurance of Your presence. Empower us to proclaim Your truth boldly, to show compassion to the lost, and to love our neighbors as You have loved us. May our lives refiect the compassion and grace of the Good Samaritan, always seeing and meeting the needs of those around us. Thank You, Lord, for Your guidance and for the great privilege of being part of Your Kingdom work.  

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 299 Luke 12-13 | Heart Dive 365

October 26

Luke 12, Jesus teaches about priorities, trust in God, and readiness for His return. He warns His followers about the "leaven of the Pharisees," which represents hypocrisy, urging them to live transparently.

He emphasizes the importance of fearing God rather than people and the futility of earthly anxieties, encouraging trust in God’s provision. Through parables, Jesus highlights the need for vigilance and preparedness, likening His followers to servants awaiting their master. This chapter concludes with a call to discern the times and understand that following Him will bring division, even among families.

Luke 13,Jesus calls for repentance, using parables and sudden tragedies to remind people to turn from their ways. He tells the parable of the fig tree, symbolizing God's patience and the urgency of bearing fruit. Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath, challenging the religious leaders’ strict interpretations of the law. He compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed and leaven, illustrating its small beginnings but vast growth. The chapter ends with Jesus lamenting Jerusalem's resistance to God’s message, expressing sorrow for those who reject His call.

RIGHTEOUS LIVING | Luke 12:1-3

The Pharisees and religious leaders in Jesus' time often held informal meetings to discuss and critique His actions.

In this passage, Jesus warns His disciples about the "leaven of the Pharisees," comparing hypocrisy to leaven. Just like a small bit of yeast can quickly spread through dough, a small bit of hypocrisy can grow and infiuence the heart and mind. Although I’m no baker, I do understand that leaven (yeast) is potent even in small amounts, and it’s what makes bread rise and become fiu£y. Jesus uses this to illustrate how even a small seed of hypocrisy or pride can expand rapidly within someone’s heart.

Jesus is cautioning His disciples to remain humble as people start to look to them for advice and teaching. With infiuence comes the temptation to inject personal ideas or legalistic rules that aren’t from God but are rooted in self-promotion. A heart check for us today is to examine whether we, too, sometimes drift into hypocrisy or self-righteousness.

Are we truly seeking to live righteously, or are we more focused on appearing righteous to others?


UNCERTAINTY | Luke 12:8-12

In moments when I need to speak, the Holy Spirit provides what I ought to say. I love this because there have been moments in my life where I knew it was my “God moment”—an opportunity to share the gospel.

But in those times, I often stumble over my words and silently pray, “Jesus, please help me.” Then suddenly, verses I didn’t even know I had memorized just fiow out. People will say, “Man, that was amazing when you said...” and honestly, I often don’t even remember what I said. I’ll tell them, “That was the Holy Spirit, not me. I won’t take credit for that.”

Let this be an encouragement: the Holy Spirit has our back. When we need to defend our faith—especially for those of us who study apologetics and are called to defend the gospel—He speaks through us. We don’t need to have every answer perfectly prepared because God’s Spirit will guide us in those critical moments.

So, here’s a heart check that covers both sections:

Are we more afraid of human opinion than of God’s judgment? And do we trust in God's care for us, even when life feels uncertain?


ANXIETY | Luke 12:22-34

In moments when I need to speak, the Holy Spirit provides what I ought to say. I love this because there have been moments in my life where I knew it was my “God moment”—an opportunity to share the gospel. But in those times, I often stumble over my words and silently pray, “Jesus, please help me.” Then suddenly, verses I didn’t even know I had memorized just fiow out. People will say, “Man, that was amazing when you said...” and honestly, I often don’t even remember what I said. I’ll tell them, “That was the Holy Spirit, not me. I won’t take credit for that.”

Let this be an encouragement: the Holy Spirit has our back. When we need to defend our faith—especially for those of us who study apologetics and are called to defend the gospel—He speaks through us. We don’t need to have every answer perfectly prepared because God’s Spirit will guide us in those critical moments.

So, here’s a heart check that covers both sections:

Are we more afraid of human opinion than of God’s judgment? And do we trust in God's care for us, even when life feels uncertain?


RESISTING THE INVITATION | Luke 12:8-12

In moments when I need to speak, the Holy Spirit provides what I ought to say. I love this because there have been moments in my life where I knew it was my “God moment”—an opportunity to share the gospel. But in those times, I often stumble over my words and silently pray, “Jesus, please help me.” Then suddenly, verses I didn’t even know I had memorized just fiow out. People will say, “Man, that was amazing when you said...” and honestly, I often don’t even remember what I said. I’ll tell them, “That was the Holy Spirit, not me. I won’t take credit for that.”

Let this be an encouragement: the Holy Spirit has our back. When we need to defend our faith—especially for those of us who study apologetics and are called to defend the gospel—He speaks through us. We don’t need to have every answer perfectly prepared because God’s Spirit will guide us in those critical moments.

So, here’s a heart check that covers both sections:

Are we resisting God’s invitation to draw near to Him, despite His persistent love?


 Deep Dive

 How does hypocrisy (the "leaven of the Pharisees") a£ect our relationship with God and others?

What does it mean to “fear” God versus fearing man? How can this shape our daily decisions?

In the parable of the rich fool, how does Jesus redefine what it means to be rich in God's eyes?

How does the warning about the narrow door challenge our assumptions about salvation?

What lessons can we learn from the parable of the fig tree about God’s patience and our responsibility to bear fruit?

  Holly's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come to You today with hearts full of both gratitude and humility as we reflect on Your Word.

Thank You for the reminders in Luke 12 and 13 of the urgency of repentance and the depth of Your love and care for us. Lord, help us not to be like the Pharisees, focusing only on outward appearances while our hearts remain distant from You. Give us the strength to live with integrity, bearing fruit in our lives that glorifies You.

Father, we ask for courage to live without fear of man, knowing that You hold our lives and our eternity in Your hands. May we not be consumed by worries about the future, but instead trust in Your provision, resting in the knowledge that You care for us even more than the sparrows and the lilies of the field.

As we walk through our days, help us to remain ready for Your return, always watching and waiting with expectant hearts. Let us not be caught off guard but instead live with a sense of purpose, preparing our hearts and our lives for Your kingdom. Lord, we ask that You reveal any areas in our lives where we are holding onto the treasures of this world rather than storing up treasures in heaven. Help us to let go of what holds us back and fully surrender to You.

We pray for the strength to endure the division that may come as we follow You, knowing that Your truth sometimes divides families and friendships. Help us to stand firm in our faith, showing love and grace even when others reject us.

Lastly, we repent of the times we have resisted Your call and neglected to bear fruit in our lives. Thank You for Your patience with us, Lord. We ask that You continue to cultivate our hearts, that we might bear fruit for Your kingdom. 

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 300 Luke 14-15 | Heart Dive 365

October 27

 Luke 14, In this chapter, Jesus uses a series of parables and teachings to illustrate humility, generosity, and the cost of discipleship. At a banquet, He advises guests to take the lowest place to avoid embarrassment and urges hosts to invite the poor and marginalized rather than those who can repay. In the Parable of the Great Banquet, He illustrates the Kingdom’s open invitation and warns of the consequences for those who reject it. He then speaks of the demands of discipleship, calling His followers to "count the cost" and fully commit, leaving everything behind for Him.

Luke 15, Through three well-known parables—the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son—Jesus highlights God’s immense compassion and joy over one sinner who repents. Each parable emphasizes God’s active, persistent love in seeking the lost. The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin illustrate the joy in finding something precious that was lost, while the Prodigal Son story adds depth by showing God’s readiness to forgive and restore. These parables emphasize that God values every individual and celebrates each person’s return to Him.

THE WINNING CHAIR | Luke 14:7-10

This made me think about the childhood game Musical Chairs, where you would fight your way into a chair to avoid getting kicked out. But the funny thing is, when it comes down to the last two kids with one chair, inevitably, one kid wins, and the other ends up on their behind.

That’s what life will do to us if we are constantly striving for prestige. It’s human nature to want to win, and the world nurtures this idea of success and rising to the top. But Jesus is advising the people not to rush for that chair. In fact, if He were ever around when we were playing this game, He would probably say, “Let them win. Give them the chair.”

And while it hurts your ego a little bit to let others rise above you, you will find that when you cultivate this kind of humble servant spirit, it actually brings you joy when you see others winning around you. Heart Check.

Are you fighting for the winning chair in life? Or are you able to rejoice when others go before or rise above you?


FALSE HUMILITY | Luke 14:11

I heard this phrase in my early 20s, and I’ve never forgotten it: “Be humble so you don’t have to be humbled.” That’s basically what Jesus is saying here.

The reality is, if we really look at where we deserve to be as sinners, we should probably be in a lower position in life anyway. True humility is recognizing your sin, knowing your weaknesses, but also recognizing your gifts and abilities and using them to honor God.

We also have to be mindful of false humility, which is actually a form of pride.

This is where you will purposely put yourself in a lowly position or “act humble” while seething on the inside that you’re in that place and everyone else is thriving. Or you will act humble to manipulate others. Perhaps you may put yourself down in the name of humility. But true humility doesn’t cut anyone down, including yourself. Heart Check.

Is your humility genuine or do you tend to display false humility?


LOOKING OUT | Luke 14:12-14

This displays the Kingdom of Heaven so beautifully. Everyone is sent an invitation, no matter their social status, appearance, or wealth.

Jesus isn’t saying not to hang out with your friends and family, but He is saying, don’t be so exclusive with who you hang out with. My son did something last year that modeled this. There was a boy who was sitting alone every day at lunch, and because my son felt bad, he ditched the football table to go and sit with this kid.

And by the end of the year, the entire football team was sitting with him too. This is the kind of heart that Jesus wants us to have. It’s exactly what He would do. Heart Check.

Are you looking out for the overlooked? Are you only hanging out with those who have clout or have something to offer? Or are you available to those who can do nothing for you?


MAKING EXCUSES | Luke 14:15-24

This is pointing to the first invitation sent through Moses and the prophets to the Jews, and now the second and more pressing invitation comes through Jesus, who is saying, “Come! Everything is ready!” But because the Jews are insulting Him by not “showing up” in their rejection of Jesus, He is opening the banquet up to the Gentiles which are represented here as the crippled, blind, lame, and from beyond the borders.

Jesus is calling us today to come to Him because He has prepared a place for us. But many of us are making excuses just as these people were. Many people say, “I just don’t have the time to sit down everyday and read His Word.” Or we say, “I’ll do it tomorrow,” only to find our Bibles with two months worth of dust on them. And then we wonder why Jesus seems so far away, when we were the ones holding everything else at a higher priority than Him. Heart Check.

Are you making excuses? Or are you responding daily to the invitation to come to Him?


TRUE DISCIPLES | Luke 14:25-33

Not every follower of Christ is a disciple. Disciple means “disciplined one,” so these are people who have counted the cost, given it all up, and are willing to continue to sacrifice on the daily to follow Him wherever He leads. This may even mean following in His suffering and rejection. It’s an “all in” mentality.

I can honestly say that throughout my life, I have dropped out of disciple school many times, and it was simply because I wasn’t willing to give it all up for Him. I didn’t want to live a “restricted” life—I wanted to do things my own way.

But what I realize now is that in doing that, I imprisoned myself and held myself back from truly walking in freedom. Heart Check.

Are you just a follower of Christ or are you a true disciple? Are you all in or still holding on to things that are hindering your discipleship?


THE LOST | Luke 15:1-10

In the first two parables, Jesus highlights God’s unwavering, compassionate pursuit of each individual. Through the parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin, we see that God’s love doesn’t simply wait for people to return but actively seeks out those who are lost.

God’s Seeking Love

Jesus shares these parables in defense of His ministry with sinners, showing that His interactions with the lost are aligned with God’s heart. Each story reveals God’s commitment to reach even one lost individual, illustrating that no one is beyond His compassionate pursuit. This “seeking love” is not passive; it’s diligent, intentional, and relentless.

Diligent Search and Joyful Rejoicing

In both parables, there’s a diligent search for what is lost, followed by a joyous celebration. When the shepherd finds the lost sheep and the woman finds her coin, both celebrate because each had inherent value. In the same way, God and all of heaven rejoice over the repentance of just one sinner.

Examples of Lostness

The lost sheep represents those who, though unintentionally, wander from God, much like sheep wander from the fiock.

The lost coin symbolizes people who may not even be aware of their separation from God or their need for Him. The coin’s lost state doesn’t lessen its value, and so too with individuals who don’t yet realize their need for God’s love.

The "99 Righteous"

When Jesus references the “99 righteous” who need no repentance, He speaks with irony. The self-righteous Pharisees consider themselves righteous and above repentance, thus missing the point of true humility before God. In reality, their spiritual blindness keeps them from recognizing their own need for repentance and grace.

Heart Check:

Are we aware of our own need for repentance, or do we allow self-righteousness to blind us from it?


LOST VS SELF-RIGHTEOUS | Luke 15:11-32

The Parable of the Prodigal Son provides a more intimate look at God’s mercy and readiness to forgive when someone truly returns to Him.

The Wayward Son

The younger son’s story is a vivid portrayal of a sinner who knowingly strays, indulging in selfish desires. His journey into destitution brings him to the lowest possible place, highlighting the ultimate futility of a life without God. His experience reveals that only after reaching “rock bottom” does he come to realize his true need for his father’s mercy.

Moment of Realization

The phrase “when he came to himself” (or "to the end of himself") refiects a pivotal moment. Often, hardship and loss lead to humility and self-awareness, breaking down pride and making way for surrender. The prodigal son’s return represents the heart of repentance—turning away from sin and back to God, fully reliant on His grace.

God’s Open Arms

The father’s response in the parable is one of profound love and expectancy. He sees his son coming from a distance, indicating that he was watching and waiting for his return. Without hesitation, he embraces and restores his son, symbolizing God’s gracious welcome to every repentant sinner. There is no hesitation in God’s heart; His forgiveness is immediate and complete.

The Older Brother’s Attitude

The parable also contrasts the repentant younger son with the older brother, who embodies self-righteousness and entitlement. The older brother cannot celebrate his brother’s return, seeing it as undeserved favoritism. His attitude reveals a lack of understanding of grace, showing resentment rather than joy for his brother’s redemption. His reaction challenges us to consider our own responses to others’ forgiveness and redemption.

Heart Check.

 Do we recognize our own lostness and actively seek God’s love, as the younger son did? Are we willing to celebrate when the lost are found, or do we resent grace when it’s given to others? Will we join the banquet of celebration for the repentant, or stand apart, holding onto self-righteousness?

**Luke 15 beautifully depicts God’s heart for every individual, emphasizing the joy in heaven over each person who turns to Him. Jesus shows us that whether we’re like the lost sheep, the lost coin, or the prodigal son, God’s love is unyielding. At the same time, we’re cautioned to examine ourselves for any self-righteous attitudes that may hinder us from embracing God’s mercy for others. This chapter calls us to both humility and joy, reminding us that God’s grace is abundant and that He celebrates each and every soul that comes back to Him.

 


 Deep Dive

 How do you view the Sabbath? Is it a true rest day or something that seems legalistic?

What might God’s invitations look like to us practically? How can we be intentional in our response?

What are some of the “costs” of following Jesus?

What are practical ways to seek out the lost? How can we make others feel valued, regardless of their faith?

What is something in your life that can be compared to the lost coin? What can you do to get it back?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your Word on compassion, humility, and total surrender.

 I pray that our eyes will always be open and ready to help others who are in need. Help us to move beyond our own convenience and see others through compassionate lenses. I pray that we won’t get so caught up in the legalities of religion that we fail to meet them where they’re at. Jesus, you have given us the authority to heal through the laying on of hands and intercession, so I pray we will be the ones who people call when they need healing, and give us the boldness and courage to lead them to the throne.

Teach us what true humility looks like. I pray that we will be a people who are so secure in our place in heaven that we don’t need to fight for the chair here on earth. That way we can spend our time here serving others and showing them what living a life surrendered to Christ looks like. It’s a life that is filled with pure joy as we see others being lifted up around us. And help us to have eyes for the overlooked, and show us how we can draw them in and help them to feel less marginalized or rejected. I pray we will be an inclusive and not an exclusive people.

Thank you for the invitations that you send to us on the daily. I pray that we won’t make any excuses for why we can’t come, but rather respond with a grateful and surrendered heart. Help us to let go of anything that is hindering us from fully following you. I pray that when we count the cost of what it means to be a true disciple, it will be pennies compared to the eternal gain. We desire to be your disciples and not just your followers, so I pray that we will take up our cross daily with faithfulness and joy.

We thank you for your love that knows no bounds. It is the sweetest of gifts when we finally grasp what it feels like to be sought after by you. The way you treasure every lost soul, pursuing them with fervor, and welcoming them back when they stray is so beyond our own ability to love with grace and compassion.

Help us to know the depth of your love and to see ourselves and others embraced by it. I pray that we will be your hands and feet, seeking out the forgotten or the lost, reaching out to them and letting them know that they are seen and are valued. I pray that we will have a heart for the ones who wander away and for the ones who outright squander the life they’ve been given. When someone comes in true repentance, help us to forgive just as you have forgiven us.

Thank you, Jesus, for always welcoming us home with open arms. We are all contending for someone today to come to you. If anyone is afraid to return, remove their fear and give them the courage to turn around and come back. If they’ve never known your heart as home, lead them to you. And I pray that even in the worst of sins and the harshest of hurts, we will be the first to show them compassion and forgiveness just as you always do. We bind the spirit of jealousy, judgment, or unforgiveness and we loose hearts full of gratitude. Make our hearts like yours and let us be a light to the world.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 301 Luke 16-17 | Heart Dive 365

October 28

Luke 16, Jesus tells a story about a dishonest manager who is commended by his master for his shrewdness. This story emphasizes the need for believers to be wise with worldly wealth and faithful with what they’ve been given, as this refiects one's faithfulness in God’s kingdom.

Jesus stresses the dangers of loving money, reminding his listeners that one cannot serve God and money. In the following parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, a wealthy man and a poor man named Lazarus experience very different afterlives. Jesus emphasizes the finality of one’s choices, the importance of compassion, and the reality of eternal consequences, urging listeners to heed God’s word now.

Luke 17, Jesus instructs his disciples on the importance of forgiving others, even repeatedly. When the disciples ask for increased faith, he teaches that even a tiny amount of genuine faith can accomplish great things.

In the following parable, Jesus highlights that faithful servants don’t seek special recognition but perform their duties humbly, as they have only done what was required. Healing of the Ten Lepers: Jesus heals ten men with leprosy, but only one—an outsider, a Samaritan—returns to thank him. This story underscores gratitude and recognition of God's work in our lives.

Jesus describes the nature of God’s kingdom, explaining that it won’t arrive with obvious signs but is already among them. He cautions about being unprepared for his eventual return, comparing it to the days of Noah and Lot, where sudden destruction came upon the unprepared.

FAITHFUL STEWARDSHIP | Luke 16:10-11

I grew up watching my Dad buy weekly lottery tickets. Every week, according to the Powerball amount, he wrote a detailed ledger for what he would do with the millions of dollars.

He would give x amount to the church, each of his daughters would receive a specific amount, and he had an allotment for our new house, new car, and other material things. He truly believed, up until his dying day, that winning the lottery was his ticket to security and happiness. This is the mentality many of us live under—if we had more, we could help others. Until we get that raise or win the lottery, we are strapped and have nothing else to give.

But it’s all relative, and money is not the agent of change in our behavior. If we aren’t operating in integrity and generosity with what we have now, what would change if we got more? That’s what Jesus is saying here. And just as the steward was expected to give an account of how he handled what he was given, so will we one day be at the bema seat of Christ. Heart Check.

Have you been faithful in stewarding what God has given you? How are you spending your time, talents, treasure, and influence?


SERVING MONEY | Luke 16:10-13

If we zoom out a bit and look at the spiritual implication, Jesus is trying to get them to look beyond the world's wealth and have an eternal perspective on what true wealth is. But if we can’t handle or manage money here, why would He trust us with even greater riches?

When I look back on my life, how I managed and stewarded my money is directly aligned with how I lived spiritually. When I was reckless in my checkbook, I was also reckless in my behavior.

And today, I am a lot more responsible with handling finances, and my spiritual discipline refiects that. I don’t know which comes first—the chicken or the egg (the spiritual discipline vs. financial responsibility)—but it goes hand in hand. Jesus says so. And once we truly understand that He owns everything and we are only managers of it, we will begin to look at money di£erently and allow it to serve us rather than us being a slave to it. And contrary to what many believe, you don’t have to be rich to be a slave to money. Heart Check.

Does money have a hold on you? How much do you sacrifice to make more money? If you were faced with serving the Lord or making a buck, which would you choose?


AFTERLIFE PAYCHECK | Luke 16:25

This is a model result of Matt. 7:1 and Luke 6:38 that says, “With the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” The rich man and Lazarus are both receiving their payment for the way they treated others while on earth. The rich man had no compassion and therefore receives none. Lazarus, on the other hand, is comforted and receives the kingdom of heaven, for he mourned while on earth and was poor in spirit. Heart Check.

What will your paycheck in the afterlife be like? How much do you consider your daily actions and their eternal effects?


REBUKE | Luke 17:1-4

While Jesus is commanding rebuke here, this is not for the sake of revealing every record of wrong or confronting every petty o£ense. This is seeing a destructive o£ense and being able to confront it with both truth and mercy. Jesus links that kind of rebuke with forgiveness. In other words, rebuke should always be done with a heart that is ready to forgive and ready to help restore that person. If you can’t do that, and you’re only rebuking or correcting for the sake of making them feel bad, it is not being done in the way Jesus says to and it will be rendered ine£ective. Heart Check.

How do you approach rebuke? Do you speak truth in love? Are you ready to forgive and help that person find restoration?


UPROOTING STRONGHOLDS | Luke 17:5-6

Being able to forgive someone repeatedly seems a bit radical, which is why the apostles are asking Jesus to increase their faith. He uses this illustration of mulberry trees, which are exceptionally strong and have deep root systems. Jesus is telling them that even the smallest amount of faith could uproot even these. We may have a circuit of strongholds that have taken root in our hearts.

Sometimes we say things like, “That’s just the way that I am,” to justify certain behaviors. Or we will pull out the victim card in saying, “You don’t know what I went through.”

I’m not dismissing the hardships that people may have gone through, but we have the authority to uproot things that have been strangling our hearts for far too long. Some of us have roots of bitterness, rejection, abuse, anger, unforgiveness, and the list goes on. While we may think we need more faith, Jesus is saying to unleash the faith that we already have and rip these issues out at the root. Heart Check.

Are there any strongholds in your root system that need to be uprooted?


LOOKING FOR REWARD | Luke 17:7-10

I don’t know how you grew up, but I never got payed for doing chores. When my parents told me to clean my room or to dust, I didn’t get a gold star for doing what I was told to do. It was expected of me, and therefore I never expected an additional reward. I have learned that the reward for doing chores is that it teaches responsibility and stewardship, which is far greater than the couple of dollars we could ever make. It’s the same way that serving Jesus can be hard work, and we can easily feel as though we somehow deserve something when we do what He says to do. And while He will reward us for the “chores” we do, it should never be expected because He’s already done far more for us than we could ever deserve. He doesn’t owe us anything, so serving Him is a sacred honor, not a duty. It’s a chance to share what He’s done and how great His love is. Heart Check.

Are you looking for a reward when you serve the Lord? Or do you see it as a privilege or honor?


 Deep Dive

 Why did Jesus preach so much about money?

What does stewardship of wealth look like in practical ways? How can we be better stewards?

How do we reconcile financial responsibility with trusting in the Lord for provision? Are they exclusive of one another?

Where do you see evidence or results of “small faith”?

How big of a role does gratitude play in our faith? How can we be more mindful to express our gratitude to God and others?

How are you preparing for the return of Jesus?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank you for reminding us of what we should be valuing while here on this earth.

We want to look beyond what is here and gain an eternal perspective so that we do not get bogged down by trying to “make it.” But we also want to be faithful in stewarding the gifts, talents, relationships, and treasures that you have given to us to manage. Help us to see how we can intentionally use what we have to honor you and to be a blessing to others. May we see beyond earthly wealth, knowing that our true treasure is found in you. Keep our hearts far from greed and distraction, for we know that we cannot serve both you and money. If money is, in any way, holding us captive, please break those chains o£ of us and help us to trust in you as our provider. I pray that we will understand our place as managers so that you can entrust us with spiritual wealth. May we never think that what we do is too small, for every deed and thought is valuable to your heart.

I pray that we will not be like the rich man, who lacked compassion and overlooked those in need. We know that the measure we use here on earth will be measured back to us, both in the good and the bad. I pray that we will be mindful of this in our daily walk, knowing that our actions will echo in heaven.

 

Thank you for the way you continue to forgive us over and over. I pray that we will also be quick to forgive others. Help us to release petty o£enses or any resentment that we may have been harboring in our hearts. Increase our compassion and humility so that we will first look within and then be able to approach others who hurt us with both truth and love. I pray that we will do so with a heart that seeks to restore them. We know that in doing this, we will receive both healing and peace.

Please strengthen our small seeds of faith. Help us to trust that even the littlest faith can accomplish great things and uproot strongholds. I pray that we will rely on you in all things, knowing that you are working them for our good. Thank you for everything that you have done for us. I pray that we never take this for granted and that we always have hearts full of gratitude. May we see this life in service to you as a sacred honor and privilege.

You have done so much for us, and it is more than we could ever deserve. I pray that in serving you, it will never feel like a task to be completed, but rather an opportunity to partner with you in meaningful ways. In doing that, we will be drawn closer to your heart and purpose.

Help us to walk in faith before the miracle. Each step we take in obedience to your Word, we know that our eyes will be opened to even more of your goodness. As we walk out this life, please prepare our hearts for your return and may we be watchful of the signs so that we are not caught o£ guard. Help us not to fall into complacency but rather be diligent in seeking you daily so that we do not miss a single sign. Fill our hearts with hope as we wait upon you. We will mount up with wings like eagles, we will run and not be weary, and we will walk and not faint. 

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 302 John 11 | Heart Dive 365

October 29

John 11, Mary and Martha's beloved brother, Lazarus, is sick, so they ask Jesus to come and heal him. Lazarus dies before Jesus arrives and is buried in a tomb. Jesus orders the tomb to open and raises Lazarus from the dead.

Many people come to believe and trust in Jesus, and the Pharisees begin to worry about losing their place as religious leaders in Israel.

The high priest, Caiaphas, proclaims a prophecy that he does not realize has a double meaning. He begins to plot Jesus' death with the Pharisees, and word is spread among themselves to keep watch for Jesus' whereabouts during the oncoming Passover feast.

DON’T SWEAT IT | John 11:1-4

This is bad news that Jesus is receiving, yet He knows this is an opportunity to glorify His Father.

We might think, “Well, He knows the end of the story, and that’s why He ain’t sweating it,” but don’t we hold this same knowledge? We know that He is working all things for our good and that nothing is impossible for Him. We know that His timing is perfect. Heart Check.

When hard times hit, do you sweat it, or do you see it as an opportunity to bring glory to the Lord? How do you respond when Jesus doesn’t immediately answer you?


LOYALTY | John 11:16

Most scholars believe that Thomas is referred to as Jesus’ twin because he looked a lot like Him. Many of us know him as “Doubting Thomas” because of his doubt in Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:25).

But I think it’s important for us to see this incredible devotion that shines right underneath the gray cloud that hovers over him. He foresees the death of Jesus should He go to Jerusalem, and he tells the disciples, “Let’s go with Him,” while everyone else is trying to change His mind. What incredible loyalty! I wonder if we would be the same. Heart Check.

If opposition were to grow in your life, would you remain loyal to Jesus, even to the death?


 Deep Dive

 Does Jesus still perform miracles like this today?

What needs resurrecting or resuscitation in your life? Do you believe Jesus can bring new life to it?

How can we deepen our trust in times of sorrow?

Why did Jesus weep? What does this reveal about His character?

How does Jesus’ power over death give you hope?

What does “I am the resurrection and life” mean to you personally?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your love, power, and compassion that is so beautifully on display today.

I pray that when we face hard times, the first thing we will do is run to you, knowing that you will bring peace and comfort to any situation. Help us to trust in your perfect timing and increase our patience so that we do not rely on our

short-sighted view of what we think needs to happen. We know and trust that you are working all things for our good and that your delay is not a denial to our prayer, so I pray that we will model that belief in your promise by waiting without worry. We know that you are near to the brokenhearted and that you care about our every need and struggle.

Help us to cultivate both a Mary and a Martha heart. We want to be a people who are always found at your feet in reverence and honor, but we also want to partner with you in faith and get things done. I pray that your promises will fill our hearts so that if there ever is a question about what is going on around us, we can turn to the Great I Am and know that you are there in it. We declare today that you are the resurrection and the life, so let this fill us with enough hope for every di£iculty we may face. There is nothing that is impossible for you. Even if we think a dream or possibility is dead, we know deep down that you have the power to resurrect anything, so may we hold on to that today.

I pray that we will have compassion on those who are grieving or struggling. Make our hearts more like yours Jesus. I pray that you will use us as instruments of comfort and encouragement, and in showing that, we will be able to help others see you.

Thank you for loving us with an unconditional agape love, but also with a brotherly or friendly love. What an honor it is to know you and to be known by you. 

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 303 Luke 18 | Heart Dive 365

October 30

Luke 18, Jesus speaks a parable of a widow and a judge. The meaning encourages one never to cease praying. He provides another parable to contrast the self-righteous with the humble.

A rich man comes to Jesus inquiring how to gain eternal life but walks away, distraught with the answer Jesus provides. Jesus once more declares His fate by quoting the prophets of long ago. Another blind man receives his sight from Jesus and glorifies God.

FOUND FAITHFUL | Luke 18:1-8

Jesus ends this section by asking if He will find faith on earth when He returns. This kind of faith He refers to is about this parable, which means He is looking for a people of persistent prayer. This doesn’t mean we have heads bowed and eyes closed 24/7, but it’s a spirit that is constantly aware and communicates with Him.

It’s keeping your requests constantly before Him, knowing and trusting that He will answer. He is looking for people who come to Him without losing heart. You see, the devil hates prayer because he knows the power it unleashes, and often, that power goes against what he is trying to accomplish.

He also knows that prayer changes us as we become more and more aligned with God and His character. We, on the other hand, lose heart and stop praying because we don’t know the power that our prayers hold. Sometimes, we stop praying because we don’t get an answer quickly enough. But we must remember that God is not delaying because He needs us to change His mind—He sometimes delays the answer because He needs something to change within our hearts. Heart Check.

If Jesus were to return today, would you be found faithful? Do you know Him as the righteous judge, and are you persistently praying?


CHILDLIKE FAITH | Luke 18:15-17

It was common for women to bring their children to receive a rabbi's blessing on their first birthday. The disciples may have felt that Jesus was perhaps “too busy” for these children, but Jesus used their thoughtlessness as an opportunity to teach them about childlike faith. Because children are innately trusting, dependent, innocent, and loving, and this is how Jesus wants us to approach Him. Typically, the older we get, the harder it is for faith to be enacted in our lives because of our exposure to the social injustices and wickedness in the world. Heart Check.

How childlike is your faith? Are there any areas where you need to trust God more simply and fully?


FORSAKING IT ALL | Luke 18:18-25

This is not a universal commandment for all to live in poverty. Rather this is Jesus confronting the thing that is hindering him. Jesus is not saying that every person must sell everything and give all their money to the poor if they want to go to heaven. But Jesus knew that money had a hold on the ruler, to the point that it had become his God. And this is proven when Jesus tells him to forsake his wealth to follow Him, and he is not willing to do so. Heart Check.

What is something you refuse to give up for the sake of the Kingdom? In practical terms, what takes priority in your life over prayer, reading God’s Word, going to church, worshipping, and fellowshipping? Are you truly willing to forsake it all, or do you just say you are?


 Deep Dive

 What does persistent prayer look like? How can we be more intentional about it?

How can we cultivate humility and avoid self-righteousness?

What are practical things we can do to ensure that money/wealth/success does not have a hold on us?

What does this chapter reveal about Jesus’ death and resurrection? How do you understand it vs. the disciples’ inability to understand?

How does the healing of the blind beggar inspire your faith?

How do you view wealth? How does it fare against the backdrop of the Kingdom of Heaven in your eyes?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank you for increasing our persistence in coming to you daily.

It is only by your Spirit that we can navigate through this life with unwavering confidence and trust. I pray that we will never lose hope, but rather continue to trust in you and your perfect timing, knowing that you will answer our prayers. Strengthen our hearts as we wait upon you, and we will continue walking one step at a time. For those who are contending for something today, align their hearts and will with yours so that they can begin to see more clearly the why behind what you are doing.

Keep us humble before you always. Guard our hearts against pride or self-righteousness, and I pray that we will maintain a healthy dependence on your mercy and grace. Help us to see our desperate need for forgiveness, looking within first and foremost, and then looking for those we can extend that same mercy to.

Teach us how to have childlike faith, where we don’t overcomplicate things, but rather maintain a simple, trusting, dependent, and loving heart, so that we will not be led astray by the distractions of the world. Keep us focused on your heart and what you want us to do. I pray that we will never hinder others from coming to you, especially if they are overlooked or undervalued in any way.

Help us to let go of anything that may be hindering us from following fully after you. We don’t want to be a people that simply follow all the rules—we want to be a people who live fully surrendered, willing to forsake it all for your glory. We can all say these words, but the truth is, this is a tough thing to truly live out, so I pray that you will reveal to us anything that we need to release today so we can fully embrace your will. Help us to store up treasures in heaven and seek first the kingdom of God above all things.

If there are any areas in our lives that are spiritually blind, please have mercy on us. Open our eyes to see your truth and understand your guidance. Give us the courage to cry out to you, not just once, but consistently. I pray that we don’t stop seeking you, for we know that when we have that kind of faith that believes that you will answer us, we can walk with confidence and freedom. Thank you for that. Without you, Jesus, we would never have this.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Day 304 Matt. 19 & Mk. 10 | Heart Dive 365

October 31

Matthew 19, The Pharisees attempt to trap Jesus when they ask Him a divorce question. Jesus answers according to the spirit of God's and Mosaic laws. The disciples inquire about Jesus' thoughts about celibacy.

Jesus blesses the little children brought to Him to receive His laying of hands and prayers. A man comes to Jesus inquiring how to obtain eternal life. He claims to have followed all God's commandments. The man walks away sad and burdened as Jesus tests him according to his relationship with God. Peter asks Jesus what their reward as His disciples will be in the kingdom of God.

Mark 10, Mark also records the Pharisees' testing of Jesus regarding divorce. Jesus quotes from Genesis to remind them of God's original intent for marriage. The disciples inquired about the matter further with Jesus after the multitude had left.

Jesus blesses the children brought to Him and uses their faith as an example of the faith needed to enter the kingdom of God. Mark provides his account of the rich man who asks Jesus how to obtain eternal life. Jesus expands upon how wealth can become a stumbling block.

Jesus confides in His disciples what awaits Him in Jerusalem. James and John ask for prominent seats in the kingdom of God. Jesus redirects their thoughts toward self-sacrifice rather than glory. Jesus gives sight to a blind man as they leave Jericho.

PHARISAICAL HEART | Matthew 19:1-3

During this time, there were two schools of thought on divorce. The more unpopular thought was Rabbi Shammai’s teaching that sexual immorality was the only ground for divorce. In contrast, the more popular view was taught by Rabbi Hillel who said that any displeasure that a wife caused would grant permission for divorce.

The Pharisees knew that if Jesus took either of these sides, He would lose because He would appear to go against Mosaic Law or become unpopular with the masses. This type of testing was expected with the Pharisees—they would look to debate, correct, and question. Even if there were moments for celebrating, they would ultimately find the one thing that they could criticize. In cases such as this one, they would look for loopholes to live as they pleased. Heart Check.

How Pharisaical is your heart? Are you able to celebrate the good without pointing out the wrong? Or does your heart always look for the corrections or loopholes?


RELATIONSHIP | Matthew 19:16-22

This rich young ruler thought he was one or two gold stars away from getting into heaven. He operated on the idea that you can get into heaven by doing good works. But we know that Jesus said otherwise. We are only saved by grace through faith. Yes, works will follow through obedience in Christ, but the works alone will not save you, and this is the point that Jesus was trying to make. No amount of money, success, or good deeds will ever replace a real relationship with Christ.

In the end, He will not ask how successful we were, but He will question whether He knows us or not. Heart Check.

Does your relationship with Christ take precedence over all things in your life? What is your motivation when you wake up each day?


CHILDLIKE RECEIVERS | Mark 9:13-16

Notice that Jesus says, “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” This implies that He is o£ering it as a gift to be received and not something to strive for. He uses a child to illustrate this because children are so good at receiving gifts. They don’t self-deprecate and stew in how unworthy they are, nor do they inherently think they need to earn gifts. They simply receive gifts with joy. When we deem ourselves unworthy, we are setting ourselves up for the rejection of the gift of grace that we are freely being o£ered. Heart Check.

Are you deeming yourself unworthy of the Kingdom of Heaven? Or have you received the gifts of grace and forgiveness with joy like a child?


SUFFERINGS OF SERVICE | Mark 9:35-39

The cup and baptism that Jesus is referring to here are his su£ering and ultimate death. He is asking if they are willing and able to su£er for His sake, and they immediately give an enthusiastic, “Yes!” Many of us would do the same if Jesus posed this question to us, but the reality is that we do have this opportunity every day to take part in His su£ering by the way we sacrifice or give things up so that we can serve Him. Heart Check.

Are you truly able to take part in the suffering of Jesus? How do you fare when there are minor irritations or inconveniences when serving Him? Do you persist or do you give up?


HUMBLE SERVANT | Mark 9:35-45

This desire for prestige, position, and honor proved that James and John did not yet understand the true character of Jesus and leadership. Jesus is trying to point out that they should not model their lives after the world, which was focused on infiuence, status, money, and power. Instead, He says that being a humble servant is the only prerequisite for greatness. I believe that if we genuinely desire to live out our lives for the sake of the Kingdom, we will serve without looking for a reward in position or payback. Our desire will be for the people we serve rather than what we can get from them. Heart Check.

Do you understand the true character of Jesus? Have you taken on the humble heart of a servant?


 Deep Dive

 How does the world’s view of marriage and divorce compare to the Biblical view? How do you look upon those who are divorced? Do you carry the heart of Jesus?

What does Jesus’ heart toward children say about how we should mold our faith? What barriers do we face in having childlike faith?

How does the desire for security or success a£ect our commitment to the Kingdom of God?

What investments or sacrifices have you made for the Kingdom? How does the world view this? How does the promise for reward encourage your faith?

How can we cultivate a servant heart? In what ways are you called to serve others?

  Kanoe Gibson's Printable Notes Link


Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the way you always call us to reevaluate our thinking.

 We can so easily become conformed to the worldview of societal norms that we lose sight of your purpose and the perfect ideals that you created from the beginning. I pray that we will view our relationships the way you do, especially in honoring our marriages for the sacred vow and commitment that they are. I pray that you will bless and protect every marriage, filling their lives with patience and understanding. We pray for good communication, quick forgiveness, and the desire to seek out good. Draw them closer to you so that when they face challenges, they will rely on your wisdom and strength to get them through. I pray they will cherish one another daily and never take each other for granted. I pray that we will always seek unity as we strive to refiect your love in every relationship.

For anyone who has been divorced or have had to deal with any sort of immorality in any of our relationships, I pray that they will not live under any sort of condemnation that others try to place on them. We know what your Word says.

You forgive all sin and you can redeem anything. This doesn’t give us permission to now walk into it, but if we have come out of it, I pray that forgiveness will be received as you have granted it.

Lord, give us hearts like a child. I pray that we will be trusting and dependent upon you and always willing to come to you without hesitation. May it be our instinct to run to you in all things, both good and bad. Keep us from overcomplicating our faith and may we find joy and wonder in the life that we live here on earth. Help us to see the good in all things and cultivate gratitude on daily basis. I pray that we will be welcoming to the young and vulnerable, both in age and in spirit, always encouraging them to draw closer to you.

Please give us the courage to have a loose grip on achievements and success. If there is anything that we need to release fully to you, please reveal it to us and give us the strength to let it go.

We desire to value our relationship with you above all things, knowing and trusting that you provide for our every need. We know that anything we sacrifice on this earth will be repaid a hundredfold. Thank you for that reassurance that we don’t need to strive to get to heaven. But when we seek you first, not only will we receive, but we will also be doers by desire to follow after you. When the path is challenging, please give us the strength and courage we need to endure. Any sacrifice we make here is a small investment into the wide open space of eternity. So may we always have an eternal perspective in all things.

Jesus, I pray that we will desire to have a heart like yours—one that is humble and always postured to serve others. Let us be willing to give of ourselves in sacrifice as we follow your example and leading. I pray that we will not seek out greatness in the eyes of man but rather take our humble place here on earth, knowing that any sacrifice we make is never done in vain if done with a heart of humility and righteousness.

And may our hearts be focused on you always so that we never miss your movement. Let us hear the wind of your Spirit that is blowing across the earth and may our eyes be opened to your truth. I pray that every revelation we receive will be an opportunity to declare your truth to the world with boldness. And as you answer our prayers, I pray that we will always respond in gratitude and praise.

We love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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