“”Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.””

Matthew 13:18-23 ESV

http://bible.com/59/mat.13.18-23.esv

All,

This stands out because Jesus says, “the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” This seems very common in modern times. This generation is wealthy beyond any measure in history, yet people are unfulfilled. Whose opinion matters most to you? The world or Jesus? Please pray that we and our friends seek truth today. Please pray for Danelle.

“Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.”

Matthew 12:22-25 ESV

http://bible.com/59/mat.12.22-25.esv

All,

This stands out because Jesus says, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.” “United we stand, divided we fall”. Are Christians unified? We would be if God was first in our lives. Unfortunately, Race, Politics, Sex, Power, Money all compete for God as the top and thus become divided. How is this solved? I think getting a diverse CLC group together with people who struggle with all of the above is a good start. Please pray that we and our friends see everyone as the child of God that they are. Please pray for Jeff.

“He went on from there and entered their synagogue. And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse him. He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.”

Matthew 12:9-14 ESV

http://bible.com/59/mat.12.9-14.esv

All,

This stands out because Jesus says, “So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” How do you define “good”? Jesus seems to be dealing with the desire to control here. The Pharisees had many exact laws that describe what can and cannot be done on the Sabbath. Where these for God’s will or a manipulation to “control” God? Are our actions for God’s will or to somehow earn control? Please pray that we and our friends ask God for His purpose for our lives today. Please pray for Brad.

“Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.””

Matthew 11:20, 28-30 ESV

http://bible.com/59/mat.11.20,28-30.esv

All,

This stands out because Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me”. A relationship with Jesus brings the peace our souls crave. We must repent from anything we have put before Him and trust Him completely. Please pray that we and our friends put All our trust in Jesus. Please pray for John and Anthony’s group.

“And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.””

Matthew 9:35-38 ESV

http://bible.com/59/mat.9.35-38.esv

All,

This stands out because Jesus says, “therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” What is God’s purpose for your life today? Do you think it involves “laborers into His harvest”? What will matter in 300 years? Please pray that we and our friends see our opportunities today. Please pray for Katie as she battles depression.

“And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.””

Matthew 9:10-13 ESV

http://bible.com/59/mat.9.10-13.esv

All,

This stands out because Jesus says, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” Jesus knows we have many flaws and He came to transform us. We do have a choice though of asking Him to transform us or try to transform ourselves. The latter lets us be our own gods and doesn’t work. Please pray that we and our friends spend time with Jesus and His Word today. Please pray for David and Hunter’s group.

“When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.””

Matthew 8:1-4 ESV

http://bible.com/59/mat.8.1-4.esv

All,

This stands out because the leper says, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” Most of the people on this email have read “My heart, Christ’s home”. Christ will transform us if we ask Him, but do we really want to be “clean”. Are we hanging on to items that “steal, kill and destroy” us? Please pray that we and our friends wants to be cleansed by Jesus. Please pray for David and Wes’s group.

“”Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

Matthew 7:21-23 ESV

http://bible.com/59/mat.7.21-23.esv

All,

This stands out because Jesus says, “but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” How do we know God’s will for our lives? Ask Him. Did you get a answer? Do you follow the nudges He gives you throughout the day? God wants to give us abundant life, but He will not be mocked. Please pray that we and our friends be about God’s will today. Please pray for Doug’s group.

“”And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.”

Matthew 6:5-7 ESV

http://bible.com/59/mat.6.5-7.esv

All,

This stands out because Matthew says, “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.” God is with us everywhere we go. He loves us and wants the best for us. Please pray that we put our full trust in Him and abide in Him continually. Please pray for Hunter and David’s group.

“Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'” Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.”

Matthew 4:5-11 ESV

http://bible.com/59/mat.4.5-11.esv

All,

This stands out because the devil says, “If you are the Son of God”. It seems that doubt is one of satan’s favorite schemes. When you are tempted, is it rooted in doubt of who you are? Does satan promise you worldly treasures to entice you away from putting God first in your life? Please pray that we and our friends know whose we are in Christ. Please pray for Julie Hires Dad.