Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture this week is Matthew 5:43-48.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 5:43-48

Jesus gives us a difficult commandment in this passage – “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”. The instruction to love our neighbor as ourselves is hard enough, but love our enemies? That’s pretty tough, Lord!

Jesus asks us to be an example to the world, to show the children of God choose love instead of indifference or hate. He tells us even those who have no relationship with God love their own people and those who treat them well. Those who claim the name of Jesus are called to do more.

Jesus always asks more of us because we have been given more. No, God doesn’t love us more than others – God is love and His love is given equally to all His people. However, our relationship to God compels us to be more and do more. This is how the world will know we are Christians – by our love.

Gracious God, Your love extends to all of creation, blessing everyone to be connected to You through that love. Let us be a channel for Your love, that by our words and actions all nations may know Your saving mercy. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 5:13-20.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, 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 truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:13-20

Salt, light and the law – Jesus gives us an example of familiar things, how we are like them and how God can use us for the advancement of His kingdom. Jesus blesses us through His teaching that we may better understand our relationship with God and what is expected of us as His children. Lessons like this also help us explain His love to others.

Salt is more than just a seasoning for flavor, it can also purify and preserve, as we are called to purify and preserve God’s creation. We hear from the scriptures “God is the light; in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). As His followers we are to be reflections of His light for all to see, to guide them back to the connection He intends for us.

God’s unchanging word is the law we must live by. Jesus tells us He has come to show us how to apply this in our lives, to be God’s people through our obedience. We are chosen for His purpose, to do His will and share His love with everyone.

Gracious God, we are grateful for Your love and mercy towards us. Help us to be useful in Your creating work, to show others the joy of a relationship with You. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 5:13-20.

For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:20

How righteous is righteous enough? Jesus tells us the bar is high, that we must outperform even the leaders of the faith. This sounds pretty hard until we realize that God has the same expectations for all of us.

The Pharisees and teachers of the law Jesus uses as a standard were extremely involved in the study of God’s commandments and their application in everyday life. However, their way of living out the law was often expressed by pointing out the wrongdoing of others and ensuring the proper penalty was applied. Jesus tells us this misses the intent God has for us.

Jesus said the teachings of the law and the Prophets would not pass away (Matthew 5:18), that these were commandments from our constant and unchanging God. Jesus wants us to understand these from our hearts, that we might live them out in love rather than unfeeling application, from a relationship with God instead of fear of punishment or rebuke.

Loving Lord, help us to see that living under Your law for us is a blessing, not a burden. Show us how to use the gift of Your word to order our lives in obedience and love for You. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 5:13-20.

Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:19

Jesus gives us a warning in this passage to follow the word of God carefully. He tells us we must not neglect the least of His commands nor teach others to ignore even the smallest instruction. When we let something slip, even small things, it is an example to others.

Our behavior is watched by people, Christian and non-Christian. Rightly or not, they judge us for our beliefs and how well we represent them in the world. God has called His people from slavery to sin and death to be “a kingdom of priests” (Exodus 19:6). Our actions send a signal to others about God, our relationship with Him and His desire for us all to be saved.

It is not easy to have our actions constantly on display. Jesus knew how hard this was – His every move was observed by those who loved and supported Him as well as those who plotted against Him. When we are weak and fall into error, we must own our actions, admit the fault and ask forgiveness. The world may hold our mistakes against us but God is always willing to show mercy to those who repent.

Gracious God, we don’t always obey Your word and we find ourselves in difficult circumstances. Help us to turn away from sin and be faithful followers of Your plan for us. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 5:13-20.

“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 truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
Matthew 5:17-18

Jesus gives us guidance about God’s law, that it still stands in all its aspects and applicability. He tells us that the prophets were sent by God to warn us of our sin and call us to repentance. God and His law have not changed and will not change.

Jesus has come to show us how to change our understanding of what God calls us to do through the law and the prophets. Knowing God’s law is good, but unless we apply it to our lives and make obeying it our ultimate goal, it does no good. Jesus tells us if we are expecting something different from God, we will be disappointed.

God is love and God is constant. He wants only the best for His children and from His children. We can’t do it without His help but if we never ask it will never happen. God wants us to trust and rely on Him so that He can trust and rely on us.

Gracious God, thank You for the gifts of guidance You send us through Your word. Help us to learn and do what You require of us, working for Your kingdom here on earth, Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 5:13-20.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

We have learned that Jesus is “the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5). Now Jesus is telling us we are the light of the world. What an amazing blessing and an awesome responsibility!

Jesus teaches us using the example of a lamp being lit up in a house of that time shining to give light everywhere. Today He might speak of the lamp in the dark corner of our living room being turned on. In either case, He tells us that as the light shines everywhere in the house (or our living room) we must shine with His light in the dark corners of the world.

In both of these examples, the lamp must be lit before it can shine. In the same way we must be “lit up” by our faith in order to go reflect the light of the Lord to everyone. Jesus wants to give us all that spark so we can be ignited and shine for Him.

Loving Lord, we are humbled that You choose us to share Your light with our brothers and sisters. Help us to be a bright spot in a dark world, showing the joy You have for us all. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 5:13-20.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”
Matthew 5:13

Jesus tells us we are like the stuff the earth is made of, for all things have a common origin in God, their creator. While this may be a little humbling, it is also a wonderful blessing, that we and everything God made are all connected to each other and Him. However, that isn’t the only lesson Jesus has for us in this comparison.

In those days, salt was more than just a seasoning. It was essential for preserving food and for purification. The term salary has its root in the Latin term for salt, indicating its monetary value back then. By saying “you are the salt of the earth” Jesus teaches that we are part of everything God made and that He has a plan for us – we are to purify and preserve His creation.

Are we “worth our salt”? Do we help to cleanse and save as we have been called to do? Jesus says that even something as common as salt – or humans – can play an important part in God’s plan.

Loving Lord, we are grateful that You have a plan for us and include us in Your creating work. Help us to be the salt of the earth we are called to be, common but important, and part of the coming of Your kingdom. Amen.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, 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 truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:13-20

Jesus begins a new teaching with examples of everyday things – salt and light – that people can relate to, and compares these to their role in the kingdom of God. He used this type of teaching frequently because it allowed people to see how something familiar can teach them a new thing about following Jesus. The concept He was teaching might be new or hard for them to grasp; the common examples He used made it seem more accessible.

Salt and light are still important to us today, but to the people of that time they were absolutely essential. We will see how Jesus uses this comparison to show how important we are in the plan God has for creation. God is all powerful and doesn’t need our help for anything, but He chose us to be part of what He is doing. What a wonderful blessing to be involved with our Maker!

Jesus will show us that each of us has a role to fulfill and that we have been gifted by God to complete our task. Take time today to thank God for what He has given you and where He has placed you to be useful.

Gracious God, we are called to be Your servants, involved in Your creating work, Help us to see how we are connected to You and others to do what You intend for us. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 5:1-12.

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. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Matthew 5:1-12

Jesus had much to tell us in just a few statements. These are the first things we hear Him say in the Gospel recorded by Matthew, and therefore they must be important. He teaches us that we are blessed in a variety of ways when we follow the path God has planned for us.

Each of these blessings come from being obedient, and while many of the ways to receive them don’t seem pleasant, they are necessary for the kingdom of God to come upon the earth. Jesus is laying out the pattern of behavior for those who would follow Him, teaching new ways of seeing what God has intended all along. Jesus doesn’t say God’s laws have changed – God is constant and unchanging – He is living out what God always had in mind for His children so that we can see them in action.

We must look at these in our own lives and our world to find ways of living them out as well. Jesus didn’t tell us to merely know these things but that we must go do them. The Beatitudes are new statements of purpose for those who want to be true followers of the Master.

Loving Lord, we still stumble and struggle to make Your will ours. Help us to be stronger each day, finding in Your word the guidance we seek to be Your children. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 5:1-12.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Matthew 5:10-12

Jesus didn’t let us think it would be easy. From the very start of His ministry here on earth He told us there would be resentment and opposition to His message. He said we would be blessed for our efforts and to “rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven” (verse 12).

People don’t like to hear that they are doing the wrong things. It doesn’t normally lead to cheerful conversation or friendly exchange. Jesus came to show us and teach us in a different way – telling us positive examples of how we should be and allowing us to see the way we were going was wrong for ourselves.

There are examples of Jesus calling people out for their wrongdoing – see Matthew 21:12-17 for the passage about Him clearing the Temple! He didn’t condone sin, but He taught that when we recognize it and repent, we can be forgiven. He called us to be part of His work, to help lead our brothers and sisters to a repentant relationship with Him, and that when the almost certain backlash occurred, we would be blessed for our work in His name.

Gracious God, it is hard to follow what Jesus taught, and harder still to do what He did. Help us to be strong in the truth of Your word, to bring the message of repentance and forgiveness to everyone, even when we face trials to do so. Amen.