Friday Morning: 23 Aug 2019 – Matthew 6:19-34 ~ Jesus’ teaching on Wealth and Worry.

Friday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Almighty God, whose beloved Son first suffered pain and crucifixion before entering into glory: Mercifully grant that we, walking in his footsteps, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 6:19-34 (NLT)

The Sermon on the Mount (Continued)

Teaching about Money and Possessions

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus’ teaching on Wealth and Worry.

“Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously,
and he will give you everything you need.”
– Matthew 6:32b-33 –

How much is enough? When does preoccupation with the accumulation of wealth become a diversion from our single-minded pursuit of the Kingdom of God – from trusting God with our lives?

There is nothing wrong with wealth per se. Wise people work hard and plan for the future; they provide for their families; and they give generously to the needy. Jesus’ concern here is the accumulation of wealth (storing up treasures on earth) as a life goal.

+ Foolish people accumulate material goods that are perishable – vulnerable to wear and tear, theft, and the vagaries of world events and markets.The more they have, the more they want, and the more they worry about losing it. But the heart of their problem is trusting in what they own, instead of God.

+ Wise people accumulate spiritual wealth that is imperishable – doesn’t wear out, no one can take it away, and is based on the economy of heaven. The more they seek God, the more content they are, and the more freedom and joy they experience in life. Their hearts are focused on deepening their relationship with God – putting him first in their lives.

The thing that a person values most highly inevitably occupies the center of his or her heart. The heart is the center of the personality, and it controls the intellect, emotions, and will.

Questions for consideration:

What are some of your worries? What keeps you up at night worrying? Please explain.
Do any of your worries have to do with money? Please explain?
How does materialism influence your life? How does it affect your relationship with God? Please explain.
What would it take for you to be content with what you have, and live worry free? How would trusting God make that possible? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: For Contentment

Heavenly Father: Thank you for never failing or abandoning your children; and thank you for knowing our needs and providing for them abundantly. Thank you for your loving-kindness and generosity.

Help me to grow in the grace of contentment that I may be grateful for what I have and not worry about what I don’t have. May I be quick to acknowledge that everything I have is a gift from you. Free me from bondage to material comforts, that I may respond in faith to your leading, trusting for your gracious provision in all things.

Heavenly Father: Fill me with awe and wonder at the love you have shown me by sending your Son, Jesus Christ, that I might be adopted into your family. And give me his heart, that I might seek your Kingdom first before all else. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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“Seek First” – Fellowship Music

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Thursday Morning: 22 Aug 2019 – Matthew 6:1-18 ~ Jesus’ teaching on Giving, Prayer, and Fasting

Thursday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Guidance – Thursday)

Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: Guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our lives we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 6:1-18 (NLT)

The Sermon on the Mount (Continued)

Teaching about Giving to the Needy

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Teaching about Prayer and Fasting

“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

“When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! Pray like this:

Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need,
and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair[d] and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
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Morning Reflection:

Pray like this….

When you pray, go away by yourself,
shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private.
Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
– Matthew 6:6 –

In today’s reading, Jesus warns us not to display (show off) our righteousness in public. His concern is that we not fall into the trap of doing the right things for the wrong reasons. As we have already seen, God examines our hearts not simply our actions. Jesus cites giving as his first example: i.e. give your gifts quietly and privately.

Jesus’ second example addresses prayer and fasting. Like giving, prayer is to be done privately, without public display. And further, Jesus give us a model to follow in our own prayer life –

+ Our Father in heaven: reminds us of our privileged access into God’s sovereign, transcendent presence and of our need to treat Him respectfully.

The first three petitions deal with God and the last three with us – reminding us to put God’s interests before our own, in our praying as in our living. All the petitions have some connection with the kingdom. The first three deal with the coming of the kingdom, and the last three are appeals in view of the coming kingdom.

+ May your name be kept holy: God’s name includes His reputation and everything about Him. Not only are we not to take His name in vain (e.g. OMG), God’s name and that of His Son are to be revered.

+ May your Kingdom come soon: This petition reflects the believer’s longing for God to turn the world upside down, to make all things new, with the glorious return of Jesus and His righteous rule and reign.

+ May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven: Nothing better can happen than whatever God’s will involves. The precondition of answered prayer is that it conforms to God’s will.

The remaining petitions focus on our needs. We need all three of these things equally; we cannot get along without any of them.

+ Give us today the food we need: Daily bread refers to the necessities of life, not its luxuries. The request is for God to supply our needs day by day. We only live one day at a time, and each day we are dependent on God to sustain us.

+ Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us: Our forgiveness of others demonstrates our felt need of forgiveness. The person who does not forgive a brother’s offenses does not appreciate how much he himself needs forgiveness. Personal fellowship with God is in view here (not salvation from sin). We cannot walk in fellowship with God if we refuse to forgive others.

+ Don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one: This petition acknowledges our felt human weakness to withstand severe trials of our character by the world, the flesh and the devil. God does not always rescue us from evil in the form of the world or flesh, but he does deliver us from the evil one – the devil.

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Morning Prayer – The Lord’s Prayer

Pray through the Lord’s Prayer making it your own. Pause and reflect on each petition – ask yourself what does this mean for me? How does this speak to my needs and concerns?

Our Father in heaven…
May your name be kept holy…
May your Kingdom come soon…
May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven…
Give me today the food I need…
Forgive me my sins, as I have forgiven those who sin against me.
And don’t let me yield to temptation, but rescue me from the evil one…

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“The Lord’s Prayer “ – Shenandoah Christian Music Camp

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Closing:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Wednesday Morning: 21 Aug 2019 – Matthew 5:33-48 Jesus’ teaching on Vows, Revenge, and Love for Enemies.

Wednesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Grace – Wednesday)

O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 5:33-48 (NLT)

The Sermon on the Mount (Continued)

Teaching about Vows

“You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

Teaching about Revenge

“You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.

Teaching about Love for Enemies

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus’ teaching on Love for Enemies.

I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!
In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.
– Matthew 5:44-45 –

Living by Kingdom standards involves a dramatic transformation of our thinking, our feelings, and our actions. Nowhere is this more evident than in Jesus’ teaching on loving our enemies. It’s not just a matter of going through the motions; God looks at our hearts and examines our motives as well.

Heartfelt love of enemies involves doing them good and praying for them. And that takes a work of God within us – an extreme makeover by God’s Word and Spirit – to move us from self-preservation to self-sacrifice, from meanness to generosity, from coldness to warmth, from distance to proximity – if not physically, at least emotionally.

Kingdom living is truly upside-down from the way the world lives and responds to enemies – with anger, hatred and retaliation. And prayer for the good of our enemies is one means of grace that facilitates that change in us as well as them.

Questions for consideration:

When you think of your enemies, who comes to mind? Why do you consider them your enemies? Please explain.
How have they harmed you? How have they hurt you? Please explain.
How have your enemies affected your thinking, your feelings, and your behavior? Please explain.
Has God changed the way way you think, feel, or behave towards them? Please explain.
What would it take for you to pray for them? How would you pray for their good? Please explain.
What would it take for you to be reconciled with them? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer – For Our Enemies

God of Grace and Glory: Have mercy on us all, and especially forgive our enemies – those who have slandered and persecuted us, those who seek to destroy us, those who defame Your Holy Name. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may love them as Jesus commanded us. Lead us all from falsehood to truth: deliver us all from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time turn all our hearts to You, and enable us all to stand reconciled before you through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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“Love Your Enemies”” – Tom Blakely

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Closing:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Tuesday Morning: 20 Aug 2019 – Matthew 5:17-32 ~ Jesus’ teaching on the Law, Anger, Adultery, and Divorce

Tuesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening (A Collect for Peace – Tuesday)

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 5:1-16 (NLT)

The Sermon on the Mount (Continued)

Teaching about the Law

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!

Teaching about Anger

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.

“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.

“When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.

Teaching about Adultery

“You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

Teaching about Divorce

“You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’ But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus’ teaching on Anger

“You have heard that our ancestors were told,
‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’
But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment!”
– Matthew 5:21-22 –

Jesus began his teaching on righteousness in the Kingdom of God by describing the character and conduct that God blesses. This should not have surprised his listeners since his description conformed to the revelation of God’s will in the Old Testament. In fact, Jesus declares that he came to accomplish its purpose.

But while the Law primarily addressed behavior, Jesus addressed the thoughts and feelings that drive the behavior – in other words, Jesus addressed what’s going on in our hearts. His teaching on anger is a good example.

When God gave the sixth commandment, He did not just want people to refrain from murdering one another. He wanted them to refrain from the hatred that leads to murder. Murder is only the external manifestation of the internal problem. The scribes and Pharisees dealt only with the external act. Jesus showed that God’s concern ran much deeper. (John Stott)

Questions for consideration:

What makes you angry? People with full shopping carts in the express checkout line? Slow drivers in the fast lane? Something else? Please explain.
On a deeper level, what makes you angry? Betrayal of trust through adultery? Rejection through divorce? Some other betrayal or abuse of trust? Please explain.
How have you dealt with feelings of anger, resentment, or bitterness? Have you held on to them? Or have you released them to God? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: Prayer to release Anger, Resentment and Bitterness

Gracious God, hear me and answer me. You know I am troubled by thoughts and feelings of anger, resentment and bitterness. You also know why. And You know how deep the hurt goes and how long I have lived with it. But I don’t want to live with it any longer. I don’t want to be an angry, resentful and bitter person. With Your help, I release my anger into Your hands. I surrender my resentment. I let go of my bitterness. Help me to keep letting go and release these toxic emotions as often as they try to return. I ask this in Jesus’ name through the power of his Spirit at work in me. Amen.

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“Heal My Broken Heart” – Patty Felker

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Closing:

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Monday Morning: 19 Aug 2019 – Matthew 5:1-16 ~ Jesus’ Teaching: on blessing and visibility

Monday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for the Renewal of Life – Monday)

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 5:1-16 (NLT)

The Sermon on the Mount

One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

Teaching about Salt and Light

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus’ Teaching: on blessing and visibility

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”
– Matthew 5:3 –

In Chapter 4, Matthew recorded the launch of Jesus’ ministry – from overcoming temptation to announcing the Good News of the Kingdom of God. Jesus preaching, accompanied by miraculous healings, attracted a large following. So Jesus decided to sit them all down and explain what it means to turn away from sin and turn to God – what it means to live as a citizen of the Kingdom of God. Matthew presents Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (Chapters 5-7) beginning with the Beatitudes.

The Beatitudes describe the character of those who will receive God’s blessing in God’s Kingdom – they are an attitude check for every believer – toward ourselves, toward our sins, toward God, and toward the world.

+ the poor in spirit – are those who recognize their personal unworthiness to stand in God’s presence and who depend utterly on Him for His mercy and grace. Recognition of our own spiritual bankruptcy is the prerequisite for receiving Kingdom joy.

+ those who mourn – do so because they sense their spiritual bankruptcy. It’s an expression of genuine sorrow and humiliation over our sin that leads to repentance and the comfort of God’s forgiveness.

+ those who are humble – are gentle in their dealings with others, and unpretentious in their lifestyle. The humble are heirs of the God’s Kingdom – receiving a promissory portion of their inheritance in this world, and their full inheritance in the world to come.

+ those who hunger and thirst for justice – are those who seek holiness, or godliness, not only for themselves but also for the society in which they live. It involves working and praying for the revival and renewal of society’s sinfulness.

+ those who are merciful – forgive the guilty and have compassion on the needy and the suffering. Mercy involves receiving God’s loving-kindness when we don’t deserve it. Merciful people give to others what they themselves have received from God.

+ those whose hearts are pure – are those who are single-minded in their devotion to God; it includes freedom from hypocrisy. Those with clean hearts can look forward to seeing God in the person of Messiah when He reigns on the earth.

+ those who work for peace – replicate Jesus’ ministry of reconciliation bringing people together with God and one another. It is not simply the absence of war, or cessation of hostilities; it is a reconciliation rooted in the cross of Christ – the Prince of Peace.

+ those who are persecuted for doing right – replicate Jesus’ ministry of suffering. The world does not give up its hates and self-centered living easily. Those who live rightly in God’s eyes become targets of those living for money, sex, and power – those who have rejected God’s rule and reign in their lives.

Questions for consideration:

Jesus concludes this portion of the Sermon on the Mount with the instruction to display what we believe – you are light and salt. In light of his teaching on Kingdom blessings, what is God calling you to say or do? Where do you need an attitude check, a change in your thinking or lifestyle. Please explain.
Where do you need God’s help to live a blessed life? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: On living the Beatitudes

Sovereign Lord: Thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus Christ, who died that I might live – a full, satisfying life, now and forever. Empower me by your life-giving Word and Spirit to reflect his attitudes and, in so doing, receive your blessing.

+ Help me to recognize my spiritual poverty, apart from you I am, or can do, nothing…
+ Help me to mourn my sins, and be comforted by your unfailing love and forgiveness…
+ Help me to live humbly and find strength in weakness and power in vulnerability…
+ Help me to desire truth and justice, not simply for myself but for all people…
+ Help me to be a merciful friend to those who have failed you…
+ Help me to remain focused on Jesus, to be pure in heart, to view life from his perspective…
+ Help me to be a reconciler, to look for the best in others and bring them to Jesus…
+ Help me to be fearless, unafraid of what others think or say about me, that I might rejoice in the honor of standing for your restorative justice and rightness.

Sovereign Lord: Change my attitudes and give me the heart and mind of Christ, for apart from his love, mercy, and grace I can do nothing. I ask this in Jesus’ name who lives and reigns with you, in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God forever. Amen.
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“The Beatitudes” – Hillsong