February 8

“He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.”” Matthew 13:11 (NIV)

Matthew records one time when the disciples asked Jesus why he spoke in parables. Our verse today is His response. Much of what Jesus taught is recorded for us so that we know much of what he taught the disciples and the people. We accept His teaching because we believe it was also given to us. In our verse today we learn that Jesus was teaching about  the secrets of the kingdom of heaven. We realize that Jesus came to share with us who live on earth truths about heaven that we would never know otherwise. God has shared wonderful secrets but none of us has learned all that there is to know. He still wants to share more truths while we are still living here and throughout eternity. 

February 1

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.” Luke 15:22 (NIV)

The verse we use today is from one of the most familiar parables used by Jesus in his ministry – the story of the Prodigal Son. This verse tells us of the father’s reaction when his lost son returns home.  We realize that Jesus wanted to teach how God, who is our Father, receives us when we come to Him in faith and ask His forgiveness. Let us think today of the words, “Bring the best robe and put it on him.” God wants to give us the very best that has. He covers us with His righteousness so we can fit into His heavenly family. This is the kind of Father we have in heaven. He sees our needs each day and when we come to Him He give us the very best. Let us be thankful that we have a heavenly Father who will always give us best and never give us second to best.