If you are wanting real and lasting HOPE instead of glib quotes, today’s chapter builds on a historical foundation – but this time, for a better future…
READ MATTHEW 5 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
If I think back over what I’ve done in the past, the picture is beyond shame. I’m covered in “sackcloth and ashes” with no hope of attaining any form of “righteousness”. But if Theodore Roosevelt’s positive thinking quote was right: “Believe you can, and you’re half way there!” …I can’t see that half way to heaven is good enough. I’m either doomed to failure or else I fall short of my destination by half way!
In a region of modern day Israel that was considered to be “good for nothing”[a], Jesus tells the followers of the Creator God in today’s chapter that they’re the salt of the earth. [v13] To a people “living in darkness”[b], Jesus tells them they’re the light of the world! [v14] These aren’t just nice rallying words, positive quotes, or useful maxims that use the power of positive thinking for the hope of outward change. It’s the message of Good News. It’s about settling matters quickly with our Maker – while we’re still together on the way. [v25-26] The deal is with the One who went the whole way for me and paid the maximum penalty on my behalf. Read More… CLICK on “07 March – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Wanting to speak directly with your Maker? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[c]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”
Lord, You have authority, glory and sovereign power. People from all nations and of every language worship You. Your dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and Your kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. [Daniel 7:14]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
The World: Pray for the Kingdom of Belgium[d]
Your Country: Workers for God’s Harvest Field[e]
Yourself: Personal Evangelism
Your concerns for today
Lord, help me to remember first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people. [1 Timothy 2:1]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
I cry out to God Most High because it’s God who vindicates me. [Psalm 57:2]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”
Who is this coming with His garments stained crimson? Who is this, robed in splendour, striding forward in the greatness of His strength? It’s You, Lord, proclaiming victory, mighty to save! [Isaiah 63:1]
“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”
When Jesus was questioned, tested, tricked, or in His hour of great need, He always spoke things that were previously written in God’s Word.[f] Following these memory verses from ten topics, will help you learn 52 verses from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Topic = Giving God’s Good News
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” [2 Corinthians 5:20]
[a] 1 Kings 9:10-13 (Kabul sounds like the Hebrew for “good-for-nothing”)
[b] Isaiah 9:1-2 and Matthew 4:15-16
[c] Matthew 6:5-15
[d] http://www.operationworld.org/country/belg/owtext.html
[e] Matthew 9:35-38
[f] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31