He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.

Matthew 12

He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. v39

Jesus wants us to have faith.  He also wants us to understand that life is not designed by Him to be easy (see John 16:33) - it has not been since the Fall (see Genesis 3, in particular v17-19).


We must all get to a place where we need Jesus -  and He is our Savior.


Once we acknowledge our need for a Savior, we must daily seek Him and build a relationship with Him, and He WILL transform our hearts and lives.

We must have faith - see Hebrews 11.

develop and cultivate relationship with God

For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

Matthew 12

For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. v34

Jesus continues to heal the sick and drive out demons from those possessed.  Yet the Pharisees, concerned about their status and power (and not the glory of God), challenged Jesus' power and authority to perform such miracles.  Jesus knows their thoughts (v25) and challenges their motives by tossing their reasoning on its head.  

I am reminded of how even believers judge other believers and even the church itself out of selfish motives.  I've been guilty of this myself.  We should be mindful of our motives when we act and say things.

We should check out heart condition. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has transformed my heart and life to be more like You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I daily miss the mark - for example, I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope.” v18-21

Matthew 12

“Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.  He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he has brought justice through to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope.” v18-21

Jesus has a purpose - to fulfill Old Testament prophecy of a coming Savior who was to save us from being a slave to the (ceremonial) law.  See also the reference here to Isaiah 42:1-4, as well as post yesterday.  He makes a new covenant with us based on the shedding of His blood on the cross.  Just as Jesus could not be distracted from His purpose, Jesus gives us a purpose and we are not to be distracted.

Psalm 139:13-16 
Ephesians 2:10 
1 Corinthians 12
Hebrews 12:1

Jesus, please help me stay focused on Your mission for me.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are that You died for me...knowing everything about me, including my sin.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love...I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

I tell you that something greater than the temple is here. If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’you would not have condemned the innocent.

Matthew 12

I tell you that something greater than the temple is here. If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’you would not have condemned the innocent. v6-7

Our faith is about leaving a mark on others - and the Pharisees focused on the ceremonial law...and about their status and about being right.  Jesus came so that we do not have to focus on the ceremonial law but focus on the moral law of loving God and loving others.  And Jesus is a fulfillment of Old Testament law...freeing us to focus on what Jesus calls the two top commandments (Matthew 22:37-40).  The Ten Commandments provide us an example of the moral law and the two top commandments as defined in commandments 1-4 (love God), and 5-10 (love others). 

When we love God, He transforms our hearts and minds to be more like His (Romans 8:5-8 , Romans 12:2) and as a natural response we want to love others because God loves all of His children.  I can see this in my own life as I know God loves me and so I am seeking service opportunities outside of the church so that others outside the church can see the love of God at work and be drawn to Him.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and frees from the rituals of the Old Testament ceremonial law, freeing me to love and serve Him and to love others.  Thank You Jesus for this freedom.  Yet I am undeserving of how You love and bless me as I daily miss the mark and fail to live for You and others.  Please forgive me and help me turn from such sin and towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” v28-30

Life sometimes has a sense of endlessness, and I mean that in bad way, and we can often just get worn down to point of giving up in the face of challenges we face.  I've been there.  Yet I gain strength through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and sustains and strengthens me like no other.

As I posted yesterday, God will never leave or forsake us, and He is with us until the end of the age. He also provides for us and sustains us.  He loves us.  See also post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You provide for all things, You sustain me, strengthen me, love me, and You will never leave or forsake me - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven."

Matthew 10

“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven." v32-33

Jesus wants us to take His words that He proclaims "in the dark" and shout them from the rooftops (v27).  We must bear witness (as a living sacrifice - see Romans 12:1) both in our lives and our words...and not be afraid of the consequences...and Jesus points out many such possible consequences: arrest and/or physical harm (v17-18), family and community scorn (v21-22), and intense temptation and fear planted by Satan (v28).  

While Jesus does warn us (see also John 16:33), He also encourages us.  First and foremost, He will never leave or forsake us, He is with us until the end of the age, and He will give us the words to say (v19-20).

Jesus, please help me be bold.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has transformed my heart and life - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I am often afraid and weak - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts—no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep....If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.

Matthew 10

Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts—no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep....If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. v9,14

At the end of Matthew 9, Jesus requests that His disciples "[a]sk the Lord of the harvest...to send out workers into his harvest field".  John Piper implies that the sending of the twelve is a response to prayer for more workers for the harvest.  Piper goes on to implore us to pray, and he provides many words on why and how we should pray - a good starter is here.  With regards to the sending out of the twelve disciples, Jesus wants the disciples to trust in Him as the provider and to focus on the message, not the outcome.  Pray for the outcome but remember that God is in charge of the outcome. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who has answered many prayers of my own and also those of others who have prayed for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not worthy of Your love and grace.  I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.

Matthew 9

Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region. v30-31

As Jesus continues His ministry, He raises a dead girl (whose father is a synagogue leader), heals a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years, restores the sight of two men, and drove out the demon from a man.

Jesus gave a stern warning to the blind men not to speak of what they experienced (v30) but they spread news of Jesus all over the region.

Jesus of course knows what is to happen to Him and knows that regardless of what the blind men do, He will still go to the cross.  Yet this warning to the blind men makes me think of how Jesus provides these men an opportunity to be obedient - a test if you will. They fail, but Jesus does provide a "way out" (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).

John Piper addresses such tests in the following posts.
Will God Ever Give Us More Than We Can Handle?
Suffering That Strengthens Faith

In the latter post, Piper refers us to James 1:2, where we are warned of how we will face "trials of many kinds".  The definition of trial includes that of a "test" where we are intended to grow in our abilities, to perform to a higher level.  

Jesus does want us to grow.  See also

“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”

Matthew 9

“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” v16-17

John's disciples question Jesus why His disciples are not fasting as was part of the ceremonial law found in the Old Testament. Jesus explains that fasting typically accompanies mourning and there should be no morning while He is present in human form.  Jesus goes on to discuss how we have a new way of interacting with God - through His Son - and it requires following of the moral but not the ceremonial law as Jesus death on the cross fulfills all requirements of the ceremonial law.

Matthew 5:17 explains this further with: "[d]o not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them".

Both MacArthur and John Piper expand on this.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are that You came to rescue me and You laid down Your life for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such an amazing act of grace - I am undeserving.  I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me.  Help me overcome such sin and turn from it towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?"

Matthew 9

 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?" v4

Jesus knows our thoughts...and of course, everything flows from our hearts (Proverbs 4:23).  Therefore we should focus on our heart condition and stop faking our way through a relationship with Jesus - He knows everything and nothing is hidden.  Be forewarned...we should not have a superficial or lukewarm relationship with Jesus. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has transformed my heart and life - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

Matthew 8

But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” v22

We all have earthly matters that we must attend to - family, work, health, etc. In the midst of life, we often claim that we don't have time for God, who ironically, has provided all the many things we claim get in the way of our relationship with God.  In my experience, it's not that we don't have time for God - we do - it's that we don't value the time we do spend with God. All of us must find our own path to God and a path to a deeper relationship with God.  For me it's been my blogging here where I have found God talking to me.  It's taken years of plugging away - but year over year my desire for Jesus has grown as I've gotten to know more about Him and seen Him transform my heart and life.

“He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.”

Matthew 8

“He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.” v17

Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law, drove out the spirits of those who were demon-possessed, and healed all the sick.   This was Jesus' purpose - as He said "it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick" (Matthew 9:12) and in that same passage saying "[f]or I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners". 

The thing is - of course - is that we all sin (see Romans 3:23 and 1 John 1:8).  Matthew's reference to Isaiah 53:4 reinforces this through use of the infirmities as this is defined as having a "physical or mental weakness".  We ALL have such weaknesses.

Bottom line: Jesus came to save us all - thank You Jesus!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who came for everyone and specifically for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth a gift - the greatest of all time!  I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

Matthew 8

The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” v8-9

No matter how much confidence we have, our confidence must rest in God alone because He is the One who distributes gifts and skills we have (see 1 Corinthians 12:4-5) and He is in control of all things (Colossians 1:16-17).  The centurion in today's verses possesses confidence, yet remains humble, recognizing that Jesus is Lord.

See also post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me, gives me spiritual gifts and skills and provides for all of my needs - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and provision.  I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

Matthew 8

Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” v4

Both MacArthur and John Gill offer insights into the meaning of verse 4 with specific reference to Leviticus 14 for how those with defiled skin are to be cleansed by the priests.  Such cleansing is of course not an end in itself for the leper but instead is a means to an end for God is to be glorified in the process and such miracles are offered to serve as testimony to others to believe that Jesus is the Messiah.  On a similar note, John Piper indicates that any giftings we have that work miracles in others lives is also to glorify God.  Piper says here:

Gifts of healings and workings of miracles are not for self-exaltation but for the benefit of others. They could easily become the basis of pride just like teaching or preaching or mercy or hospitality or prophecy or any of the gifts. But they are meant to be expressions of love. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:2, "Though I have all faith so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." Gifts are not the main thing. Love is the main thing. Using gifts is one way to love. 

Jesus, please help me remain humble with regard to the use of my gifts.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are amazing and You have worked many miracles in my lives and in the lives of others - I have see Your Hand do many miraculous things!  Thank You for the many blessings You pour out for me - I am undeserving.  I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love Him.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven....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.

Matthew 7

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven....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. v21, 24

As Jesus proclaims in 7:15-23, there are both false prophets and false disciples.  The broader point I see is the superficial nature of our faith.  Verse 24 reinforces this point by stating that faith is built upon a strong foundation of practicing spiritual disciplines, such as Bible study, prayer time, fellowship with other believers, service, corporate worship, etc.  We must not have paper thin faith.

This is demonstrated further in the Parable of the Sower which stresses the need for "good soil".

I know the dangers of building a house on sand - I've done it myself.  

Jesus, please help me build my faith on a strong foundation.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has given me faith, and helped strengthen my faith.  You have transformed my heart and life and I experience life to the full - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

Matthew 7

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." v13-14

Jesus promises life and life to the full (abundant - KJV, etc.) for those who believe and follow Him (John 10:10).  Believers will demonstrate fruits of the Spirit as well (Galatians 5:22-23) - including
"love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control".

However, there are no such promises of an easy life.  In John 16:33, Jesus tell us that we WILL have trouble. This is to be expected because when we submit our lives to Jesus, we DENY ourselves and put God and others first.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has given me life to the full - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessings.  I am quick to anger and slow to listen - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Matthew 7

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. v7-8

Jesus wants to spend time with Him, to depend on Him, to bring our concerns to Him.  John Piper indicates that Jesus encourages us to pray. Piper's thoughts are nicely summed up by the following:

If we take the passage as a whole, it says that when we ask and seek and knock — when we pray as needy children looking away from our own resources to our trustworthy heavenly Father — he will hear and he will give us good things. Sometimes just what we asked. Sometimes just when we ask it. Sometimes just the way we desire. And other times he gives us something better, or at a time he knows is better, or in a way he knows is better. John Piper

I have struggled with prayer all of my Christian live and I am convicted to do more.  Jesus please help me spend more time in prayer with You.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who gives me amazing gifts...including Your Son - the the greatest gift of all time!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a gift.  I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind, and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

Matthew 7

Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. v6

Jesus focuses our attention to judgement...that we are to avoid judging others. First of all, that is not our role - God alone is judge.  Second, we are to love (John 13:34), forgive (Ephesians 4:32), and be graceful to others as God is to us.  In verse 6, Jesus turns our attention to how we should treat others who spurn our words of truth.  MacArthur claims Jesus' statements here do not contradict his previous statements (Matthew 5:39, Luke 6:29) on how we should treat our enemies. John Piper's thoughts on this are consistent - that no one is beyond our prayers. 

Everyone is worthy of Jesus' grace.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome and incredible God - I know You love me, You died for me, and You are so full of grace and compassion for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I continue to miss the mark - daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. v33

I have often read this passage on worry from the Sermon on the Mount - this morning I pick up on Jesus' antidote for worry. Our energies should be directed towards a hunger and thirst for righteousness vs worry about the things of this world.  For example, I should not worry about what is going in the lives of my kids but instead focus my energy on my own faith.  I know with certainty that if we seek God He WILL bless us. 

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 

Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:8 

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. Proverbs 8:17 

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. Lamentations 3:25 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has blessed me - well beyond what I deserve!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing - I daily miss the mark. Please forgive me and help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

Matthew 6

The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! v22-23.

John Piper's posts help illuminate the importance and influence our "eyes" have on our faith.
What Is the "Bad Eye" in Matthew 6:23?
The Eye is the Lamp of the Body
What Do You Feed Your Eyes

Piper helps us understand Jesus' distinction between the "good" and "bad" eye, with a reference to Matthew 20:15 where a Greek translation of the The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard gives us an example of the "bad" eye when one of the workers hired first claimed unfairness in the wages paid to those who showed up to work later in the day - the first workers focused on material wealth and what they felt they deserved vs on grace (something Jesus provides which we don't deserve).  Piper's team also help us understand that what we "feed" our eyes does matter - using Deuteronomy 4:15-19 as an example.  What we put in front of our eyes influences and directs our heart which has been a subject of recent posts.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has given me Your Word, the Holy Spirit, my church, brothers and sisters in Christ and so much more so that my heart could see more of You.  Thank You Jesus!  Yet I am undeserving of Your grace and the many gifts You provide.  I often focus my eyes elsewhere. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.

Matthew 6

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. v1

Although my focus of recent has been on heart condition, our external behavior DOES matter.  This morning the focus is on external behavior that serves to bring glory to ourselves which is NOT what God wants.  Verse 1 is further applied in v2-4, 5-6, 16-18.  We exist to bring to glory to God not the other way around.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome and amazing God who loves me even though I am broken and sinful.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love as I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus of my harsh words of others and help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?

Matthew 5

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? v46

Jesus provides us with instructions on how to address those we might otherwise deem unlovable, including those who seek to harm us.  It's simply not enough to love only those who love us or who we like - we must love everyone...all of the time, regardless of the circumstances.  We should not only not avoid these unlovable ones but go to them as Jesus did.

John Piper provides useful thoughts on loving difficult people, and how we should love God most to love others best.

Jesus shares a meal with sinners (Mark 2).

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing and incredible God who loves me even though I continue to sin! Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Matthew 5

But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. v28

Once again, as I posted yesterday, our heart is the source of sin in our lives and we are all born to sin (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8) and must be born again.  

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Luke 6:45

The importance of heart condition applies in all areas of our lives, highlighted as well with our generosity.

God gives us a "new heart".

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and You have given me a new heart and new life - thank You Jesus for the greatest gift of all time.  I am not worth such a gift.  I love You.  I need You.  I daily miss the mark. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.

Matthew 5

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. v22

The Ten Commandments includes “[y]ou shall not murder" (v13).  Jesus takes this a step further by forcing us to examine our heart - as everything flows from the heart (Proverbs 4:23).  Anger or hate in our heart is murder as well.  It's not just what we do, it's how we do it and our heart condition when we do it.

As God is, we must be slow to anger and abounding in love. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO full of patience and compassion with us and slow to anger and abounding in love.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such grace and mercy.  I am quick to anger, and often harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.

Matthew 5

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. v1-2 

As Jesus begins to preach, He first teaches His disciples.  God wants us to minister to those outside the church but He also wants us to minister within the church - the church must make not just disciples but also disciple makers.  See a few of John Piper's thoughts on this here and here.  The Sermon on the Mount is for everyone but it is also the start of Jesus' three-year effort to teach and build disciple-makers from the initial 12 disciples and other early leaders of the church.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are that You are so full of grace, compassion and wisdom to spend time with me to help me understand Your Word for me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love and care - I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

Matthew 4

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” v10

As He begins His ministry, Jesus is tempted.  We should understand that we have a God who knows what we experience with temptation because He was tested as well.  Jesus is able to defeat Satan of course because He is God.  A key weapon to defeat Satan is understanding of scripture. On three separate occasions (v4,7,10) Jesus is able to quote scripture as means to defeat Satan.

We must read to God's Word to know Him, love Him, to develop a relationship with Him, for Him to do a work in us, and for us to obey Him.

See other posts on scripture.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who gave Your Son, and the Word - thank You Jesus for this and more.  I am not worthy of such a God as I am quick to anger - please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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

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.” v16

Some some say that Jesus did not need to be baptized because He was sinless - this is true.  Yet both John Piper and the Billy Graham organization both indicate that Jesus DID have to be baptized because He became one of us in the flesh, He participated in the same ritual of baptism that provided us with the path to righteousness. Indeed, Matthew 3:15 indicates it was "proper" for Jesus to be baptized, or appropriate.  The New Living Translation indicates Jesus said baptism "should" be done for Him to "carry out all that God requires".

As we know, in Matthew 4, Jesus begins His ministry.  He is tested in the wilderness, begins preaching, calls His first disciples, and performs His first miracles.

Also of note is that God the Father was present with Jesus as was the Holy Spirit as Jesus was to begin His ministry and God the Father deposits into Jesus an affirmation that launches Jesus into His calling.  

As part of Raising a Modern Day Knight, I learned how affirmation from a father can launch a son into manhood - affirmation is both an act at a point in time (i.e. ceremony) and encouraging words provided on a regular basis.  I am reminded how I must continue to affirm my two sons.

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, what a great Father You are and I am blessed to have such a Father in Heaven as You that daily provides me with affirmation of love and guidance.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.

Matthew 2

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. v3

Due to concern over his position and status, Herod attempts to find Jesus, the Messiah referred to in prophecy (v3-8, v16).  Herod is unable to see who Jesus really is - the one true God.  Of course, He is not the only one who fails to submit to Jesus as King as it is said "all Jerusalem" is disturbed.

A key question I have this morning is - when threatened, do we see Jesus at work in our circumstances (for His glory and our good) or do we make attempts to thwart God's plans as Herod attempted to do?

We should know that nothing can stop God's plans. 

We should also understand how God is at work for His glory and our good - regardless of the circumstances. 

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

See also difficult circumstances.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are that You never leave or forsake me, and You strengthen me during difficult circumstances.  I have seen this with my own eyes in my own life - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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”).

Matthew 1

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”). v22-23

As I turn from the Old Testament, I think about how Jesus of course allows us to be born again through Him, and how He is fulfillment of the Old Testament.  The two above verses reference Isaiah 7:14.  While certainly not exhaustive, check out this resource which summarizes a few of the more notable prophecies of Jesus from the Old Testament. 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are the greatest gift of all time - You are life and life to the full!  Thank You for giving me new life and freedom from the sting of sin and death.  I am not worth such a gift, such grace and mercy, as I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.

Malachi 4

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. v2

Yes, judgement is coming for all - as no sin is hidden or goes unpunished.  But for those who repent and remain faithful, who fear the Lord, there is hope.  We don't need to be ambivalent our doubtful towards God.  He does not change (Malachi 3:6) and He keeps His promises. Most importantly, He loves us and never leaves us.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a good, good Father - who loves me and never leaves or forsakes me.  Thank You Jesus for saving me and loving me while I still sin.  I am not worthy of such love.  I am quick to anger.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.