Some of our beloved Christmas songs take our eyes off Jesus, but even some of the sacred ones are not exactly scriptural in their content. To understand what happened on that first Christmas, we need to go back to the book.
If you’ve ever tried to pray but gotten distracted during it, you are not alone. While we may have different reasons that we get sidetracked, there are some simple changes you can make to your rhythms to help you stay focused during prayer.
Matthew 20:1-16 – In The Parable of Laborers in the Vineyard, Jesus confronted an entitled religious mentality that thought those who had been around longer deserved more. We must never move past the reality that God doesn’t owe us anything.
Matthew 18:21-35 – In The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, Jesus answered how many times we should forgive another person who has wronged us. If you realize how much you have been forgiven for in your life, it should not be a stretch to forgive others as well.
Matthew 25:31-46 – In The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, Jesus taught that whatever we do for others, or refuse to do, directly correlates to our relationship with Him. By refusing to meet the needs of others, many of us have left Jesus destitute.
Matthew 14:22-33 – Jesus walked on the water in a storm that almost capsized the disciples. Through His example and invitation, He invites us to follow Him through difficult circumstances to reach people who need hope.
Matthew 25:14-30 – In The Parable of the Talents, Jesus taught us to be faithful to steward whatever God has entrusted to us. It’s not about what you have but what you do with what you’ve been given.
Matthew 25:1-13 – In The Parable of the Ten Virgins, Jesus warned disciples to prepare for His return. While we know neither the day nor the hour, we can guarantee that He will come again to gather those who belong to Him.
Matthew 21:33-46 – In The Parable of the Tenants, Jesus foreshadowed how the world would reject Him rather than receive Him. As we look at His sacrifice, how will we respond to the cross?
Matthew 13:1-23 – As Jesus often spoke in parables, it divided those who understood the truth and those who rejected it. When people’s hearts become dull, they cannot receive the blessings of God’s truth.
