The Bridge

From the Captain’s Bridge

Every 2-3 days we put new inspirations from the God’s Word in a form of a logbook. Course correction straight from above.

GREG BEDNARCZYK, BAPTIST CHURCH IN BIELSKO-BIAŁA

Lord, what do we need to be today so that in  10,  20,  30 years…?

April 28, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 9,11-13

„Pharisees… said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?” …Jesus… said,”It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick… ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE’”

What kind of person do I need to be to get help, interference, change of life from you, God? I have to admit that I have nothing to give You but heart. God, I recognize that without You I am a completely wretched, regrettable swagger! I need a doctor so badly.

April 26, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 9,10

„Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples.”

Christ, help us to be such of Your followers that those who need help will want to come and sit with us at the table.

April 24, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 9,9

As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the tax collector’s booth; and He said to him, “Follow Me!” And he got up and followed Him.”

An unusual feature: leave everything to be a disciple and a friend. God, give me a few more to meet in my life.

April 22, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 9,3-8

„And some of the scribes said to themselves, “This fellow blasphemes.” And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts? “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sinsare forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk ‘? “But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins “-then He said to the paralytic, “Getup, pick up your bed and go home.” And he got up and went home. But when the crowds saw this, they were awestruck, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.”

I will be able to help people solve their problems enough, as much as You, God, give me Your strength. Fill me with Spirit, with His power, and use me.

April 20, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 9,2

And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.” 

Sometimes material matters (eg health) so absorb me, that I lose the sobriety of the view that the most important is spiritual life, reconciliation with You, forgiveness of sins. Thank you, God, for sobering.

April 3, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 8:28-34

„When He came to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two men who were demon-possessed met Him… The demons began to entreat Him, saying, “If You are going to cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.” …and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the waters… And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus… they implored Him to leave their region.”

When Jesus came to that place, no one was interested, except those two. It was only their testimony that prepared the ground and when Jesus came back – we know it from other Gospels – it was different. God, I trust that you will break the ignorance of people, that they would like to listen.

March 31, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 8:24-26

„…there arose a great storm… the boat was being covered with the waves… they… woke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!” …He… rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm.” 

My problems, God, are at your command. You can order them to be dissolved. Let me know You better from this side.

March 28, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 8:21-22

„Another of the disciples said to Him, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead.” 

A very radical form of presenting the principle that it is worth to help those who can be helped, and not because it is fitting and well seen.  God, help me be more like that.

March 27, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 8:19-20

„…a scribe…”Teacher, I will follow Youwherever You go.” Jesus… “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

I understand! Life focused on calling is a willingness to change constantly, without attaching to any refuges. God help me to be like that!

March 24, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 8:18

„Now when Jesus saw a crowd around Him, He gave orders to depart to the other side of the sea.”

If you want to serve people better, you sometimes have to say “no”, looking at the goal. God, teach me this art even more.

March 22, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 8:16-17

„When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill. This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: He Himself took our infirmities and carried away our diseases.”

How many human problems can I take on myself? It depends on how big my heart is. God, expand my heart! Because there are a few problems, and I already have enough.

March 20, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 8:14-15

„When Jesus came into Peter’s home, He saw his mother-in-law lying sick in bed with a fever. 15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she got up and waited on Him.”

I would also like to get up and serve, and meanwhile, a health failure. Christ, I trust. Touch my hand.

March 17, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 8:5-10

„…a centurion came to Him… “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, fearfully tormented…just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also… say… to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and He does it… Jesus… said… “I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.”

God, through this story you have aroused in me the desire that no one would have such faith as in me. Build such faith in me.

God, just say the word and the problem will be solved.

March 15, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 8:2-3

„And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying,”I am willing; be cleansed.”

My personal relationship with You, Christ, is the most important thing, because everything I do in other areas is resolved here. If You want, you can remove the most difficult obstacles. So I will also say “Lord, if you like, you can …”

March 13, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 7:28-29

„When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.”

What astounded people? That their problems are solved. God, make my teaching so.

March 10, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 7:26-27

„Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell -and great was its fall.”

So much great creation will go to waste if I do not build it on doing what You say, God. And You say I would build disciples.

March 8, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 7:21-23

„Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name’ … And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you’.”

There is something better than my greatest ideas, a higher level. These are your intentions, God. It’s about the attitude of my heart, whether it is geared gladly to fulfill Your intentions. So, I put my own ideas on the altar, because I trust that there is something better.

March 6, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 7:15-16

„Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?”

If we are to recognize by the fruits, we need a lot of time and ties to see these fruits. So the Church based on closer ties, on building disciples in a small group, that everything will be revealed, to protect. God, use me to build such a Church.

March 3, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 7:13-14

„Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction… For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life…”

What should I leave behind the narrow gate, Christ? Love for the world, lust and pride, that only love for You and people will remain. I’m entering it.

March 1, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 7:12

„In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you.”

What would I want the people to do for me? That someone would take care of my development. So help me do this for others, God!

February 27, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 7:7-11

„Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you… Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? …how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” 

So what will I ask You, God? You would let me prepare the best spiritual food and open the door so that many would benefit from it because they suffer from spiritual hunger.

February 24, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 7:6

„Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”

May I not be such a dog or a pig, swallowed by greed, lust, vanity, pride, insensitivity that You, God, can not give pearls. Help me love what comes from the spirit, holiness…

February 22, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 7:3-5

„Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? …first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” 

Instead of looking for a reason in others, it is better to look for it in yourself and change something, improve, to have a better influence. God, change me so that I can have a better influence!

February 20, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 7:1-2

„Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.”

There is a principle in spiritual reality: as you would like to be judged, judge others. I would not like to be judged at all and I would like to get what I do not deserve. So I choose a way to approach others: give them what they do not deserve.

February 18, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 6:34

„So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Instead of over-specifying the plan of the future I trust in God and do what I have to do today as best as I can, because circumstances will change tomorrow and all my details will be wasted.

February 15, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 6:33

„But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” 

It is as if you were saying, God: Trust Me and let my matters go first and you will see what I can do and what I have prepared for you. Life becomes an adventure.

February 8, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 6:22-23

„The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”

The worst thing is when someone thinks he can see but does not see. God, you see how every path that I go ends. I trust that early enough You will warn me and make my way safe.

February 6, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 6:19-20

„Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”

God, help me win the fight to build people for eternity, and matter was just a tool.

February 3, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 6:16-18

“Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do… so that they will be noticed by men… you, when you fast… wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”

Worrying about what people think of me is not my world. My world is worrying about what you, God, think about and what you can give me. Change my heart to make it really happen.

February 1, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 6:9-13

„Our Father… do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

God, you do not have to prove to me that I can not overcome my own nature. I know that already. Instead of fighting, I will keep You in the first place, so that You may win in me.

January 30, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 6:9-12

„Our Father… forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

God, is forgiveness coming from my heart to others? If not, let me understand that I am no better and that the only thing I can count on is your mercy.

January 27, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 6:9-11

„Our Father… Give us this day our daily bread.” 

Although I will give 100% of myself at work, I will say: “God, I trust that you will meet every need.” Touch my heart so that I would really trust.

January 25, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 6:9-10

„Our Father… Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.”

God, let your best plan for my life come true. Improve my faith that it is indeed the best.

January 23, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 6:9-10

„Our Father… Hallowed be Your name.”

God, put in your rule in every area of ​​my life. Some of them require your special intervention.

January 20, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 6:9

„Our Father… Hallowed be Your name.”

God, you are above all, more important to me than anything. If something grows too much – help me cut it!

January 18, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 6:7-8

„And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”

How can I talk to you, God, if you know what I say ?! I think I will go to thanks immediately.

January 16, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 6:5-6

„When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to… pray… so that they may be seen by men… But you… go into your innerroom, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret…”

People think I smile at them, but I smile at You, God. Let them think so. This is my hidden El Dorado.

January 13, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 6:1-4

„Beware of practicing your righteousness before men… otherwise you have no reward with your Father… your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”

The determinant of my behavior is that you, God, look. Help me improve what I need to improve because you are looking. And then you promised to be particularly involved. I am excited about your commitment.

January 11, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 5:48

„Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

If it still seemed to me, God, that I can meet your standards with my own strength, now I have no illusions. Holy Spirit, do the whole Christian life in me.

January 9, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 5:46-47

“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? … if you greet only your brothers…”

The prize is for outstanding achievements, and I am an mediocre person who likes only those who like me. God, fill my heart with Spirit to love those who are hard to love! Get a reward!

January 6, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 5:44

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” 

One more prayer list, created automatically by my heart in contact with hostility. God, change my heart to react like that.

January 4, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 5:40

“If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.”

God, you expect from me impossible – that something like that would come from my heart. But you are the specialist in impossible matters. Change my heart!

January 2, 2018, Gospel of Matthew 5:33-37

„…ancients were told, ‘you shall not make false vows, but shall fulfill your vows to the Lord!’ but I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God… nor… by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes ‘ or ‘No, no ‘…”

So what if I’m going to swear that I will do something or not, if my power does not reach my rotten nature. As for my possibilities, old nature will always win. I can only say: “Yes, Christ! Be in my life in the first place. Reign! ”

December 30, 2017, Gospel of Matthew 5:28-29

„…everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you…”

What would people say if I took out an eye and threw it? That I was crazy! And they would be right. And what should they say, in Your opinion, Jesus, if I would covet? That I was crazy twice. Such damage is caused by lust. Do I think so?

December 28, 2017, Gospel of Matthew 5:23-24

„Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother Has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother…”

The most important are relationships and you need to take care of them first. I need to talk to …

December 23, 2017, Gospel of Matthew 5:14

“You are the light of the world…”

By name, I am the light, the leader, the spiritual guide. What an irony! You can see so little of this light, I miss the target so much! I am a poor lamp, barely shining. God, fill me with the Spirit, let me shine!

December 21, 2017, Gospel of Matthew 5:13

“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has become taste-less…”

I am to be a model, what does it mean to believe? What a burden of responsibility! God, build my faith. Help me express it properly.

November 28, 2017, Gospel of Matthew 3:16-17

„…after being baptizsed, Jesus went up… from the water… and behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son…”

You have also called me your child, Father! Can I be bigger? I can not do anything to be bigger anymore. So I can calmly take care of my life vocation.