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Do you think of yourself as an insider or an outsider? How do you see me? I attended the synagogue up until the day I was called on to read from the scroll. It wasn’t well-received and I was cast out and never went back. So I spent the time of my ministry on earth as an outsider, which was typical of John the Baptist and other prophets. The church established in my name is an insider organization, with, in most cases, membership requirements and an organizational hierarchy. I called those who responded to my message to follow me.

Me - Good morning, Jesus! How are you today? What are you up to? I love you and appreciate you. Thank you for waking me up day by day to see a new day and enjoy all the good things you’ve blessed me with. What a privilege! Lord, what is the significance of a day? Sometimes they get monotonous and even seem to be without meaning. 

Below is Matthew 16:19 in a number of versions. Some versions make it look like I lead in the binding and loosing process and some make it look like the Lord leads. Prayerfully meditate on these and journal about it and see what the Lord tells you.

Do you think that virtual reality is a recent development? Today you can have completely artificial experiences. But how long have you been living in an artificial environment? Do you spend most of your time surrounded by concrete and steel and plastic and glass? What would you call this in comparison to the world of grass and trees and streams and lakes and mountains? Do you find yourself drawn outdoors to experience these things firsthand? Do you find it to be beneficial for you when you do? How many of my earliest followers encountered me in remote wild places? You can too.

Lord, what would You speak about this verse? “[For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him...” (Eph. 1:17 Amplifed).

Do you know believers who have become atheists because they prayed fervently for something they really wanted and it didn’t happen? Is it all the more poignant if they asked for something noble and selfless? Have you ever had the same experience and remained a believer? You are familiar with the same promises that you shall have whatever you ask for in prayer, so what is the difference? You also know that you are not to put the Lord your God to the test. Are you encouraged when you do see your prayers answered against astronomical odds?

Me - Lord, what is your goodness? Tell me about your goodness. 

Are you a teacher? You may not hold this job title, and you may not be paid for teaching. I wasn’t, and I never had a position at a formal school, but would you consider me a teacher? If you break it down into simple elements then this term is quite inclusive. Do you know something worthwhile? Are there people who are willing to listen to you share your knowledge?