Category: Daily Prayer

“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.

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

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Matthew 5:8-9

Jesus tells us more about how we can be blessed by obeying God’s law and treating others as He intended. In these verses He teaches about being right with God and sharing that joy with others. Many of these blessings relate to our spiritual gifts and what God has called us to do.

Being right with God (justification) means we do the right things for the right reasons. Some people can act in what seems a right manner but their hearts are not right (pure) if they are acting for self-gain or attention. Peacemaking doesn’t necessarily mean negotiating treaties between warring factions, it starts at a personal level by making peace with those who may have wronged us and thereby making peace with God.

Jesus wants us to see that when we begin to live out these attributes, it has an affect on us and the world around us. He didn’t promise us it would be easy, but that it would be worth the effort. God wants us to do our best and leave our concerns about success to Him, confident that we are helping His kingdom come near to all.

Loving Lord, it is hard for us to give up our side in a conflict, but You call us to be the voice of calm. You bless us when we do right under Your law and bring together Your children. Help us to be pure of heart and peacemakers in our world. Amen.

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

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Matthew 5:6-7

Jesus speaks of two attributes that are necessary for the coming of the kingdom of God – righteousness and mercy. Both of these are qualities Jesus exhibits and He teaches that we must seek to make them part of our lives as well. However, in order to do God’s will we must first understand what is being asked of us.

The dictionary defines righteousness as morally correct behavior or ethical action. Jesus is our primary example of this, following God’s law and teaching its importance in our lives. Mercy is showing love to one who may have harmed us previously, or who has no way to help themself. Jesus teaches that when we behave this way, it encourages others to do so as well, and that we can expect God’s righteousness and mercy in return.

Most importantly, Jesus says we must do these things even if others don’t treat us the same way. It’s not a matter of “do unto others as they do unto you” but behaving as Jesus did in every situation, regardless of the response of the world. Jesus teaches it is not worldly approval we must seek, but God’s.

Heavenly Father, we don’t always follow the example which Jesus gave us, falling into envy and competition for worldly things. Help us to see the eternal value of our connection to You and to share that joy with the world. Amen.

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

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:4-5

Jesus continues His teaching with explanations of how we are blessed when we have certain attitudes or are in certain situations. Some of these may not sound like things we would ask for or intentionally do, but Jesus shows how these can strengthen our relationship with God.

He tells us that even when we are suffering loss, He will be there to comfort us. This has a double meaning – we are not promised we will never be sad, but we know God will stand beside us in our sorrow, bringing us through dark times. The meek inheriting the earth is likely a strange teaching to a people under oppression, as Israel was at that time, but Jesus says we are to be patient and trust in God for victory and release.

In each of these, Jesus has a specific lesson to be applied to our lives. We can face sorrow and those who stand against us knowing that God is with us, especially in troubled times. Hold firm to the love He sends us all, and look to God for comfort and peace.

Gracious God, we know we can count on You even when we are in painful situations. Strengthen us through faith to endure trying times and show others Your love through our persistence. 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.
Matthew 5:1-3

Jesus begins this teaching with words of encouragement, telling the people they are blessed. This is a new way of reaching out, much different than the teachers of the law who focused on rules of behavior. Jesus speaks of what lies within a person rather than what they do.

Jesus knows that the people have lived for years with a mindset of “do this and don’t do that”. He knows that the law God gave them is important and He will teach them that as well, but right now He wants them to focus on what is in their hearts. Jesus will teach them that right behavior comes as a result of a right spirit, that true connection to God is one of seeking good rather than merely avoiding punishment for wrongdoing.

He tells them that they are blessed when they are like the poor who cry out for for help, humbling themselves before God and asking for His forgiveness. Only when we have this spirit of need, an acknowledgement that without God we are nothing, can we begin to change our hearts and lives to better connect with Him. May we also be blessed as the poor in spirit and be ready for the kingdom of God.

Gracious God, we come before You in our weakness, admitting the wrong we do. Help us to release our guilt through our faith in Christ that we may live as productive members of Your creation. 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

This beautiful passage, called The Beatitudes, is part of a larger scripture section known as the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5-7 Jesus lays out the basis of His ministry, with instruction on a variety of different subjects, teaching about our relationship with others and with God. It is the first time in the Gospel of Matthew that we hear directly from Jesus.

Jesus tells us that we are blessed by a variety of attitudes and actions, some of which don’t really sound much like blessings: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me” (verse 11). Jesus is telling us from the very beginning that the world will resist the change He brings through us and there will be repercussions. Jesus never “sugar coated” anything, He was always honest about what saying yes to Him would mean in our lives.

When I was a child I thought the title of this passage was “The Be Attitudes”, how we were supposed to be. (Editorial note: I may not have originated this term, but that’s definitely what I heard when Dr. Clark preached it!) Looking back, perhaps that isn’t such a bad interpretation. If we would be more like the examples Christ gave us in this lesson, we and the world would all be better for it.

Loving Lord, we hear Your teachings but we are slow to apply them to our lives. Make us strong in Your word that we may share the love it shows us with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 4:12-23.

When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
Matthew 4:12-23

Jesus went out among the people to gather His disciples. He chose common people, no one special – because to Jesus we are all special. He didn’t look for people with power or wealth, but He didn’t turn them away either.

Jesus wanted to show that no one was beneath His dignity. He ministered to the poor who were often forgotten and pushed aside. He preached to the rich who were often hated for their wealth and position. He taught Jews and Gentiles that they all had the same Heavenly Father in spite of their differences.

Jesus wanted us to know how much we were the same and how much God loves us. He wanted us to understand that God is ready to forgive and welcome us back into a relationship with Him. Jesus has so much to share with us if we only take time to listen and believe.

Gracious God, you sent Your Son to love and heal and free us from our sins. May we be faithful to what He taught and share Your love with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 4:12-23.

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
Matthew 4:23

This verse could be the “Reader’s Digest Condensed Version” of His entire ministry. Jesus went to the people, not expecting them to come to Him, although they later would follow Him throughout the countryside. He taught them about the coming of the kingdom, and healed them. This was the core of His mission, connecting with us and bringing us back into a relationship with God.

He calls us to go do the same in the world today. That may be an awesome task to consider – Jesus wants us to do what He did. How could we possibly be able to do those things? Jesus was God incarnate, of course He could reach out, teach and heal, but we are mere humans!

First, we must trust Him. He would not have called us to something we aren’t capable of doing. He didn’t promise it would be easy but He promised to be there to support us in everything. The old hymn tells us “‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus and to take Him at His word”. When we rely on Jesus, we are blessed to go and use the gifts we are given in His name.

Loving Lord, we are often overwhelmed at the task You have given, to make disciples of all the world. Help us to know Your love and support and to go boldly in Your name for the purpose You have chosen for us. Amen.