Don't use foul or abusive language but words that are good and helpful (Eph 4:29 NLT)

Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. - Eph 4:29

My friend Warren and I were teaching a Bible class years ago that had a focus on Scripture Memory. One evening we had low attendance and got done with our lesson early so prompted by the Holy Spirit, I ask him if he wouldn't mind giving a testimony about how scripture memory impacted his life. Without skipping a beat he said, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 4:29-5-2 NIV"

He continued to tell us that this was his life's verse that he meditated on daily for many years because he was convicted by God that his speech was unwholesome and it was having negative impacts on people closest to him.

Now this verse came to me as I was praying for my family this morning. We are struggling with deep wounds coming from all sides; physical, spiritual, financial, mental, hurts from the past, fears for the future and trauma in the present. We cry out to God and listen to the Holy Spirit, "He who has ears, let him hear."

Then, as what often happens in my life, God harmonizes his guidance for me through other means as well. I received an email from my friend, Pastor John from Grace in the City church, he writes:

"The psalmist was always reminding us to remain humble and walk with God, because evil is continually lurking and seeking to destroy us! 

So what do we learn from todays reading? In Psalm 120, we see very quickly a cry of repentance asking the Lord to deliver him from lying lips and a deceitful tongue. How many of us have been using our tongues as weapons lately? Ask yourself this question: If Jesus was standing right next to you would you say half the things that come out of your mouth? Here’s the reality; Jesus isn’t just standing besides you, He’s living inside you! That’s right, if you area Christ Follower, we have the Lord living in us, not sometimes, but all of the time. My caution to all of us, is to be very careful with our speech and think before we speak! "

he continues,  "When pride kicks in, its a very slippery slope that we are on and usually we succumb to the wiles of the devil, until we can see the error of our ways. This reminds me that its vital to remain humble at all times, always remembering my place in this life and where has God placed me for such a time as this. "

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In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer (Psalm 109:4)

In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer. So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love.

Psalms 109:4‭-‬5 ESV

In return for my love

 -And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less? 1 (2 Cor 12:15)

 - For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood (Rom 9:3)

they accuse me

 - ...a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord. (Acts 11:24)

Application:

 - Jesus was hated not for his works but his words (John 10:25,31-33,37)

 - God's people are equipt to handle obstinant people (Ezekiel is called to speak God's word to stubborn people, Ezekiel appointed watchmen; responsible to rebuke people to save them)

but I give myself to prayer

 - Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. (2 Tim 2:7)

 - The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you. (2 Tim 4:22)

 - Each day write five things you're thankful for, then thank God for them in prayer.

 - According to your faith let it be done to you (Matthew 9:29)

 - I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. (Psalm 9:1-2)

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Replace greed and self-indulgence with Justice, mercy and faithfulness

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.
Matthew 23:23 ESV
 - Do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8)
 - Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. (Matt 5:7)
 - Mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13)
 - Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (Col 3:13)
 - We plead for patients but demand respect and judge others harshly (Matthew 18:23-35)

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.  You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.
Matthew 23:25‭-‬26 ESV

“‘What?’ you ask. ‘Doesn’t the child pay for the parent’s sins?’ No! For if the child does what is just and right and keeps my decrees, that child will surely live. The person who sins is the one who will die. The child will not be punished for the parent’s sins, and the parent will not be punished for the child’s sins. Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness. But if wicked people turn away from all their sins and begin to obey my decrees and do what is just and right, they will surely live and not die. All their past sins will be forgotten, and they will live because of the righteous things they have done. “Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign Lord . Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live. However, if righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things and act like other sinners, should they be allowed to live? No, of course not! All their righteous acts will be forgotten, and they will die for their sins.
Ezekiel 18:19‭-‬24 NLT

The Fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:16-18)
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.…

Matthew 7:12
In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the prophets.

Romans 3:31
Do we, then, nullify the Law by this faith? By no means! Instead, we uphold the Law.

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Whoever is wise, consider the steadfast love of the Lord (Psalm 107:43)

Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord .

Psalms 107:43 ESV 

He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!
Psalms 107:14‭-‬15‭, ‬17‭-‬21 ESV

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Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him (Psalm 91:14)

"Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation."
Psalms 91:14‭-‬16 ESV
https://bible.com/59/psa.91.14-16.ESV

Psalm 91 tells us of all the harm that comes from Satan's traps, but we are encouraged with the promises of God.

You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.
Psalms 91:8 ESV
https://bible.com/59/psa.91.8.ESV
Our heart breaks for the destruction we see around us (91:7).

For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil, but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
Proverbs 5:3‭-‬4 ESV

God covers us like wings of a parent bird Psalm 91:4,
James 1:2, we have trials but count it as joy. We don't fear because we are with God (holding fast to his love).

If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.
Psalms 91:9‭-‬10 NLT

Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, 'He will command H is angels concerning You '; and 'On  their  hands they will bear You up , S o that Y ou will not strike Your foot against a stone .'" Jesus said to him, "On the other hand, it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test .'"  ... Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him. ... From that time Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Matthew 4:5‭-‬7‭, ‬11‭, ‬17 NASB
http://bible.com/100/mat.4.5-17.NASB

https://www.openbible.info/topics/relying_on_god

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Encouraging words from Luke

When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Luke 2:17‭-‬20 NASB

http://bible.com/100/luk.2.17-20.NASB

Literal Sheppard was given the sign, not the priest and teachers of the law

And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

Luke 2:26 NASB

http://bible.com/100/luk.2.26.NASB

God reveals himself to those devoted to him

Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.

Luke 2:46 NASB

http://bible.com/100/luk.2.46.NASB

"Three days", Jona, Jesus-death, resurrection 

And he came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins;

Luke 3:3 NASB

http://bible.com/100/luk.3.3.NASB

the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

Luke 3:38 NASB

http://bible.com/100/luk.3.38.NASB

To my Muslim friends who say God has no son. Who breathe life into Adam making him in his image? Genesis 2

And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,

Luke 4:17 NASB

http://bible.com/100/luk.4.17.NASB

Prosperity Gospel, favorable year of the Lord. Also Joel, I will pour my Spirit on all people

"T he S pirit of the Lord is upon M e ,  B ecause H e anointed M e to preach the gospel to the poor .  H e has sent M e to proclaim release to the captives ,  A nd recovery of sight to the blind ,  T o set free those who are oppressed , T o proclaim the favorable year of the Lord ."

Luke 4:18‭-‬19 NASB

http://bible.com/100/luk.4.18-19.NASB

Note to self: find out about Zarephath and Naaman the Syrian

And He said to them, "No doubt you will quote this proverb to Me, 'Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we heard was done at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.'"  And He said, "Truly I say to you, no prophet is welcome in his hometown.  But I say to you in truth, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up for three years and six months, when a great famine came over all the land;  and yet Elijah was sent to none of them, but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow.  And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian."  And all the people in the synagogue were filled with rage as they heard these things;

Luke 4:23‭-‬28 NASB

http://bible.com/100/luk.4.23-28.NASB

Obedience

Simon answered and said, "Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets." When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break;

Luke 5:5‭-‬6 NASB

http://bible.com/100/luk.5.5-6.NASB

Faith on another's behalf

And some men were carrying on a bed a man who was paralyzed; and they were trying to bring him in and to set him down in front of Him. But not finding any way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiles with his stretcher, into the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, He said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven you."

Luke 5:18‭-‬20 NASB

http://bible.com/100/luk.5.18-20.NASB

Spiritual disciplines can't be applied appropriately until one is made new (John 3:7) and should be between the person and God to the benefit of others.

But the days will come; and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days."  And He was also telling them a parable: "No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and puts it on an old garment; otherwise he will both tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old.

Luke 5:35‭-‬36 NASB

http://bible.com/100/luk.5.35-36.NASB

who had come to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were being cured.

Luke 6:18 NASB

http://bible.com/100/luk.6.18.NASB

And all the people were trying to touch Him, for power was coming from Him and healing them all.

Luke 6:19 NASB

http://bible.com/100/luk.6.19.NASB

Blessing and woe!

Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man.  Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets.  But woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full.  Woe to you who are well-fed now, for you shall be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.  Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way.   "But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,  bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Luke 6:22‭-‬28 NASB

http://bible.com/100/luk.6.22-28.NASB

The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.

Luke 6:45 NASB

http://bible.com/100/luk.6.45.NASB

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Encouraging words from Psalms

I listen to the scriptures being read through YouVersion and as I go I copy portions that I want to meditate on later. Here what I got from my bus ride today.

Make me know Your ways, O Lord ; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day. Remember, O Lord , Your compassion and Your lovingkindnesses, For they have been from of old.
Psalms 25:4‭-‬6 NASB
http://bible.com/100/psa.25.4-6.NASB

Examine me, O Lord , and try me; Test my mind and my heart. For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, And I have walked in Your truth.
Psalms 26:2‭-‬3 NASB
http://bible.com/100/psa.26.2-3.NASB

One thing I have asked from the Lord , that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord  And to meditate in His temple.
Psalms 27:4 NASB
http://bible.com/100/psa.27.4.NASB

When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, O Lord , I shall seek."
Psalms 27:8 NASB
http://bible.com/100/psa.27.8.NASB

Wait for the Lord ; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord .
Psalms 27:14 NASB
http://bible.com/100/psa.27.14.NASB

When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away Through my groaning all day long.
Psalms 32:3 NASB
http://bible.com/100/psa.32.3.NASB

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Watch out!...Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod (Mark 8:15)

While listening to Matthew 16 and then Mark 8 as part of the 155-day challenge I was struck by this teaching and Exodus came to mind. Earlier this year I went to a Jewish Passover Sader and heard the life of Moses taught during that meal. I've had the opportunity to study the life of Moses twice and the Gospel of Matthew twice in BSF, not only study but also to teach in the school program there. At the Sader, I learned something new. When the Israelites were commanded to eat everything that night and leave without leftovers. My Jewish friends taught that every batch of dough was started from the previous so that you could be eating bread that was passed down from your great-great grand mother. She said God commanded to burn the left overs so that they wouldn't be taking the pagan ways of Egypt into the promised land which God was giving them.

(12:1-11) Lord said 10th day of this month, lamb (1 year old, male, no defects)  per household, care for it 4 days, slaughter at twilight, blood on door frame eating, roast all over fire (bitter herbs, unleavened bread), eat fast, burn leftovers

(12-16) Lord – strikes every firstborn of people and animal to judge gods of Egypt but will Passover houses with blood on door, commemorate, generations, lasting ordinance

(17-20) Lord – Celebrate Festival of Unleavened Bread 14th to 21st, out of Egypt

(21-30) Moses, elders – gives instructions, they obey (26-27) children ask, tell them, LORD  strikes, every house mourns - Exodus 12 outline

Then Jesus warned about the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod (Matthew 16:6, Mark 8:15), Luke 12:1 summarizes that the yeast is hypocrisy, Matthew 16:12 shows the disciples understood Jesus to be saying "Beware of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees". All of this in the context of Pharisees trying to discredit Jesus and Jesus telling them "A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. (Matt 16:4)", which points to God's plan for the Messiah (Matt 16:13-20) and his death and resurrection (Matt 16:21-28). Mark places this closer to Miracle of feeding 4,000 and Jesus reminds them about the feeding of the 5,000 (which is 1 or only two miracles in all 4 Gospels). In Mark 8:17-18, Jesus asks, "Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear?"

Jesus continues to questions them in Mark 8:18 b, "And don’t you remember?"

• 5 loaves, 5,000 how many baskets left over: 12
• 7 loaves, 4,000 how many baskets left over: 7
• Jesus leaves it with "Do you still not understand?" Mark 8:21

Called out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light

"Success" where failure would have been better

Relational Grace: Loving kindness of Christ in me

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Proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ (Matthew 10:7)

Psalm 10, Matthew 10
Today was serendipitous, Pastor Troy preached on Psalm 10 and I'm lagging on my writing through the Psalms and Gospel reading plan.

Here's my notes on the first of his sermon series Honest to God:
Psalms are helpful because they are honest.

 - tough questions, real answers

 - bridge from pain of life and power of God.

Suffer and pain reactions

 - denial or dissection 

 - Psalms deal honestly with pain yet points us to God

Psalm 10:1, why is Lord hidden, far away

 (Injustice, lack of intervention, apparently uncaring)

Christian faith has room for honest lament.

 - We don't need to protect God from hard questions

10:2-4, Arrogant, greedy, wicked schemes live and think "there is no God"

 10:5-6) outrageous and frustrating success

10:7) abusive speech

10:8-10) intentional ambush

10:10) effectively crushing

10:11) without fear of God

Prayer  (crying out to God in honesty 12-13, and faith in His character 14, justice 15, sovereignty 16, personal "friend" of faithful people whose only hope is Him 17-18, Hebrews 11:1,6-7)

Application 

1.  Continue to turn to God, 10:12

 - We put our hope in God's ability to make things right 

2. Cling to faith

 - God sees and cares (look what God has done in the past)

 - God's "silence" is not absence, 3 days if silence before Jesus was raised from the dead.

3. Count on God's judgment 

 - 1 Peter 2:23, Jesus our example didn't retaliate but trusted in Jesus

4. Confidently rest in who, not why 

 - Psalm 10:16-18, God is good.

In Matthew 10 Jesus tells us how to be a witness and go about our lives with a ministry centered approved. "As you go proclaim the kingdom of heaven is at hand"

 - Ministry (healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing the lepers, casting out demons) is done for free (Matt 10:8-10)

 - Give peace and let it peace return to you in all circumstances (11-31)

31 Fear not, therefore; (AX)you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 (AY)So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but (AZ)whoever denies me before men, (BA)I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

38 And (BH)whoever does not take his cross and (BI)follow me is not worthy of me.39 (BJ)Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Rewards

40 (BK)“Whoever receives you receives me, and (BL)whoever receives me receives him who sent me.

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Thank God with all your heart, proclaim his wonderful deeds (Psalm 9, Matthew 9)

Psalm 9, Matthew 9

 “According to your faith let it be done to you” Matthew 9:29

The Actions:

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;

    I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

I will be glad and rejoice in you;

    I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. (Psalm 9:1-2)

The Results:
 - Enemies turn back, stumble and perish before God
 - God upheld me, rebuked nations, destroyed wicked - blotting out their name for ever

The truth:
 - Lord reigns forever, established his throne for judgment
 - Rules the world in righteousness/judges people with equity
 - Lord God is a refuge for the oppressed, stronghold in times of trouble

Those who know your name trust in you,

    for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:10)

 - Sing praises of the Lord, proclaim among the nations what he has done (11)

The consequence:
 - Nations fall into their own pits, caught in hidden nets, work of their hands, stricken with terror
 - Lord God is known by his acts of justice, he won't forget the needy, hope of afflicted won't perish
 - we are mortal and will be judged in God's presence

Jesus fulfills Psalm 9:18 in Matthew 9:2-8 recognizing the faith of others who brought another to receive healing and the forgiveness of sins.

Jesus calls sinners to follow him, he desires mercy - not sacrifice (Matthew 9:9-13)

Jesus reminds us there is a time for fasting and mourning, Improper patching makes the garment tear worse, new wine in old wine skins makes it burst. As he said this a synagogue leader knelt before him and said "my daughter just died, but put your hand on her and she will live." As they went to the daughter, another woman who was sick for twelve years had faith to touch Jesus cloak to be healed, and Jesus told her "your faith has healed you" and it was true. Then he raised the dead girl (Matthew 9:14-26).

35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.(A)36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them,(B) because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.(C) 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest(D) is plentiful but the workers are few.(E) 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Cross references:

1. Matthew 9:35 : S Mt 4:23
2. Matthew 9:36 : Mt 14:14; 15:32; Mk 8:2
3. Matthew 9:36 : Nu 27:17; 1Ki 22:17; Eze 34:5, 6; Zec 10:2
4. Matthew 9:37 : Jn 4:35
5. Matthew 9:37 : Lk 10:2 - teamwork

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God crowned humans with glory, Jesus values them (Psalm 8, Matthew 8)

You have set your glory

    in the heavens. (Psalm 8:1)

I love this song by Jared Anderson, "Be Glorified". I'm reminded that it's through the praise of children and infants that God has established a stronghold against your enemies (2). Looking around on any day and considering the work God has done in the creation of heaven and earth is amazing and then to think that he is mindful of us (Psalm 8:3-4) is cause for praise.

God has crowned humans with glory and honor and made us rulers over the works of his hands (Psalm 8:4-8; Genesis 1:1-3:1).

Matthew 8 shows us Jesus will in healing the unclean. I remember teaching this lesson on "show and tell" to kids years ago (1-4). Jesus heals and says, don't tell - but show yourself, offer the gift to the priest as Moses commanded as a testimony to them. Jesus approves of "the enemy's" faith, who takes Jesus at his word and believes. Condemns Israel who see the miracles yet doubt (5-13).

Many followed Jesus and he healed the sick and demon possessed (14-17), he taught about the cost of following him means leave home and family (18-22). He taught that faith in him means not being afraid, but sleeping well in peace (23-27). Jesus showed that a town's fortune in pigs is worth spending to free two human beings from demonic possession (28-34).

Psalm 8; Matthew 8

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God is the refuge for those who put his word into practice (Psalm 7, Matthew 7)

Psalm 7 is a courageous prayer affirming God is our refuge (1-2), yet offers self-examination - in a sense "if I have done wrong, let my enemy overtake me (3-5), overtake my enemies and vindicate me according to my righteousness and integrity (6-8)"
Verses 9 -11 jumps out at me;

Bring to an end the violence of the wicked

    and make the righteous secure

you, the righteous God

    who probes minds and hearts.

My shield is God Most High,

    who saves the upright in heart.

God is a righteous judge,

    a God who displays his wrath every day.

While God is not showing wrath against the wicked he is preparing to (12-13), therefore those planning evil will bring trouble and ultimate disillusionment (14-16). Thank God for his righteousness, praise the name of the Lord Most High (see also Genesis 14:18; Melchizedek).

Matthew 7, Jesus instructs us about Judging people in love, according to the faith, he teaches the simplicity of prayer and focus (7-14). He teaches about truth and falsehood and how to know the difference (15-29)

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

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Faith in God is expectantly praying to Him and following where He leads (Psalm 5-6, Matthew 5-6)

Psalm 5 is a prayer, asking God to listen, pay attention to groanings and cry for help. He prays each morning bringing requests and waiting expectantly (1-3). The Lord is against those who are wicked, proud - murders and deceivers. (4-6). God's unfailing love allows us to enter, worship, Psalm 5:8

Lead me in the right path, O Lord,

    or my enemies will conquer me.

Make your way plain for me to follow.

Sinful rebels are caught in their own traps, but those who take refuge in God rejoice, blessed and shielded by love (Psalm 5:9-12)

Matthew 5 Jesus teaches about Heavenly blessings we receive in repentance to God and how that impacts our relationship with other people (1-16). Then Jesus affirms the law of Moses and prophets and clarifies the meaning of righteousness, judgment, and hell (17-48).

Psalm 6 is a prayer about our weakness, agony and sick heart. A cry to God for rescue with expectant faith.

Matthew 6 Jesus teaches about giving to the needy for their sake, not for show and how we should pray to God in relationship to him, not for show like hypocrites (1-18). Jesus teaches God's love for us and how he meets our needs, that people are God's treasure and His kingdom is what we should seek rather than obsess about our desires (19-34).

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

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God's sovereignty and our hope and faith in Jesus (Psalm 2-4, Matthew 2-4)

Psalm 2 is about the Lord's anointed, the One enthroned in heaven. God's son. This is later quoted in Acts 4:25-26 as believers prayed to God in thanksgiving for his awesome plan (Acts 4:1-37).
Matthew 2 is about Jesus being recognized as the one who has been born king of the Jews and his supernatural protection (Matthew 2:13; Revelation 12:4).

Prayer: God help me to see your plan and do your will even during the struggle against sin in my life. Help me to see your plan even as friends and family struggle to survive and make ends meet. Build our faith, help us to be faithful to you in all things in Jesus name Amen!

Your view of God is the benchmark of your spiritual maturity

Knee work cultivates and bears fruit

We are the clay, and you are our potter (Isa 64:8)

Psalm 3 is a lament and praise to God for his protection, provision and deliverance from harm. Matthew 3 is about the call to repentance (Matthew 3:2,8,11) from John the Batist and his witness of Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Father at once (Matthew 3:16-17). Repentance is the other side of coin of faith. Faith and repentance go together, you can't have one without the other.

Prayer: Lord God, I see you have brought me to a place to see my need for you. You have protected me and shielded me from the disgrace I deserve. Thank you for loving me, for put my feet on solid ground, for providing me with great mentors and helpers along the way. I see your hand in sustaining my life and delivering me from the destructive consequences of my own sins. My sins are against you and I repent of them. I believe wholeheartedly in your grace that enables me to remain faithful. Protect me now Lord, help me to walk faithfully with you. amen.

God helps us handle spiritual trials

In prayer Daniel learns about the Messiah and last days

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17)

Matthew 3:16 : Eze 1:1; Jn 1:51; Ac 7:56; 10:11; Rev 4:1; 19:11
Matthew 3:16 : Isa 11:2; 42:1
Matthew 3:17 : Dt 4:12; Mt 17:5; Jn 12:28
Matthew 3:17 : Ps 2:7; Ac 13:33; Heb 1:1-5; 5:5; 2Pe 1:17, 18
Matthew 3:17 : Isa 42:1; Mt 12:18; 17:5; Mk 1:11; 9:7; Lk 3:22; 9:35; 2Pe 1:17

Prayer: Thank you God for the continuity of Scriptures written over the centuries that relate the power, truth and wisdom of your plan. Thank you for preserving your word and giving us the light of the Holy Spirit to understand it and walk with you. Amen!

Live the New Life in Christ

Psalm 4:1 David laments, "Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer." Then immediately hears God reply, "How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods"

The remedy and prescription for those who feel far from God:

Tremble and do not sin;

    when you are on your beds,

    search your hearts and be silent.

Offer the sacrifices of the righteous

    and trust in the Lord. (Psalm 4:4-5)

Psalm 4 relates to Matthew 4 in that our faith is tested by the will of God just as Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to be tested. Jesus answered the devil's temptations with fasting and prayer. The devil tempted him as the "Son of God (3)", Jesus responded in his humanity "Man shall not (4)". The devil said in a way, "be foolish with your life - God's got you (5-6)" but Jesus said, "It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' (7)."

Psalm 4:2 relates to Matthew 4:8-9, The devil tempts us, taking us to a high mountain and showing us the all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. The promise he never keeps is "worship me and this is yours" - Let's take Jesus advice and say out loud "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ (10-11).

When Jesus preaches people living in darkness receive light/repentance/faith, a new calling and physical healing (Matthew 4:12-25). 

Prayer: Thank you Jesus for showing the way to humbly in this world and to be silent and still to hear your voice. I love you Lord. Let the life I live be in your power and strength for you glory for ever. I'm sorry for putting you to the test by living foolishly, I repent Lord. Thank you for exposing my darkness with your light. I will not give into temptation but tremble and offer the sacrifices of the righteous, trusting in you and renouncing the devil. In Jesus name. Amen.

Trials will show that your faith is genuine, as fire purifies gold (1 Peter 1:6-7)

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Lord watches over us, God with us (Psalm 1, Matthew 1)

A few weeks ago my friend John Steger invited me and a bunch of folks from GraceInTheCity.org to a 155 day plan to read all of the Psalms and the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John (twice). He extended 5 extra days to read Psalm 119. This is the first time I"ve done a reading plan in this way and I've found my first week was really insightful.

Here's my notes and learnings
Psalm 1 has been a favorite of mine and one I wish I listened to earlier in my life. Blessed is the one who doesn't walk in step with the wicked, or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf doesn't wither - whatever they do prospers...For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

This relates to Matthew 1:1-17 in genealogies, generations of people who were righteous in God's sight through faith (Hebrews 11:1- 12:2). They're lives impacted the world for good by being righteous and faithful to God. I love how Matthew 1:18-25 shows a great example in what it means to delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on his law day and night. Joseph doesn't jump into what his plan is but slept on it and received divine revelation into who Mary and her son were and what his role would be. Notice the testimony given of Jospeh in verse 19 "Joseph her husband was faithful to the law" and notice the scripture that Joseph may have been contemplating and meditating on, perhaps Deuteronomy 24:1-4 about divorce, perhaps also Malachi 2:14-16; "...And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth..."

 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

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