Purpose in praise and prayer, illustrated in salt and light (Psalms 34; Matthew 5:12-19)

Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose... purpose is achieved...obey God’s laws and teach them... Matthew 5:17,18-19

Blessings and promises have purpose as salt and light have purpose. 

• Accepting/Receiving/follow-through: 
• Remember God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, theirs in the kingdom of heaven. 
• This progresses through mourning and comfort, humble except inheritance, thirst for righteousness and filled/satisfied, merciful shown mercy, 
• Leads to "born again" faith
• Pure heart sees God, peacemaker children, persecuted for righteousness -> theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Reading Blessings of Moses, explained by Jesus (Deuteronomy 28:1-14;Matthew 5:1-19) and enjoying memories of National Day of Prayer, how when we intercede for people we are joining Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Father. When I close my eyes I can see heaven, like trees walking - the Lord restores my sight and my soul is filled. I'm blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. Joy comes in the morning. Thank you Lord. 

Psalm 34:1-3) I praise the Lord, time, voice, boast - the helpless take heart, Lord's greatness, exalt his name (oh, magnify the Lord with me, he is worthy to be praised). Matthew 5:12) Be happy, very glad! great reward awaits you in heaven, remember prophets persecuted in the same way. 

• This verse is a reminder of the power of collective worship and the importance of sharing our appreciation and reverence for God with others, as we uplift His name together. 
• This Psalm has been on my heart since Teen Challenge Spiritual emphasis week. "I trust in God, my Savior the One - who will never fail... I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered - that's why I trust Him."
• The world is full of Spiritual believers but not followers of Jesus Christ, yet the Lord is winning people over, restoring hearts, minds, souls, strength when we love God and love one-another. 

Psalm 34:4-7) I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me, freed me from all my fears. Looking to Him for help makes me radiant with joy, the shadow of shame disappears. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; He saved me from all my troubles. The angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. 

• Develop a prayerful outlook, Quiet time with the Lords Prayer

Psalm 34:8-10) Taste (salt) and see (light) the Lord is good - joy in refuge, Father/child trust/fear, have all we need, lacking no good thing. Matthew 5:13-15) Salt and Light have purpose

Psalm 34:11-14) children listen, learn to fear the Lord - live a good life, don't speak evil or tell lies, turn away from evil and do good, search for peace and maintain it. Matthew 5:16)- let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Psalm 34:15-16) Eyes of Lord watch over those who do right, ears open to their cries for help. But the Lord turns against evil doers and erases their memory from the earth.

17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.

    He rescues them from all their troubles.

18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;

    he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

19 The righteous person faces many troubles,

    but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.

20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous;

    not one of them is broken!

21 Calamity will surely destroy the wicked,

    and those who hate the righteous will be punished.

22 But the Lord will redeem those who serve him.

    No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.