Day 282

Galilean Ministry cont.

4. Organizing the kingdom cont.

- Sermon on the mount cont. - Matthew 6:1-34; 7:1-29; 8:1-49

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The 'Lord's Prayer' or more accurately the Model Prayer.  Our Lord gives the admonishment to NOT be like the heathen who think they will be heard for their much speaking.  Vain repetitious prayers do not ascend unto the throne of Grace.


The pastor/teacher of our fellowship has written a series of daily devotionals on the Model Prayer, if lead:  http://sovereigngracechurch.net/patterns_for_prayer66.htm ~ May they be a blessing and encouragement to your spirit and soul.


Fasting - is it for today?  Should we be?  How?   This is an area in which I am deficient.  I would appreciate prayer as I seek to be obedient to our Lord and Savior.  He did not state, if you want, instead, when you do fast don't be as the hypocrites.  An imperative.  No options for not...do it, but do not parade and boast about it.


Matthew 6:20 - treasures in heaven - oh how easily we can be entangled with the things of this world.  Are our hearts centered on those treasures which have eternal value?  Or are we so caught up in the daily grind and quest for success that we fail to avail ourselves of the opportunities to be about our Father's business?


I have pondered this thought before - do I spend as much time feasting upon the eternal Word of God, nourishing my spiritual 'body' as much as I do in feeding my physical body? 


Heavenly Father - Jesus uses this phrase repeatedly.  The actual wording, 'your father' is used 22 times in the NT.  That ought to cause pause...am I reflecting my father?  What has HE said?  Have I availed myself to learn what HE wants me to do?  A father/child relationship is a very personal and intimate.  Our we cultivating intimacy with HIM via our savior, Christ Jesus?


Holy Food - give that which is holy NOT to the dogs or swine.  Lest they trample it under foot and then turn and rend you.  Not only will their be a disdain for the truth...those who oppose it will attack you.  Rend has the meaning: break, wreck, crack, shatter.  In Jewish culture to be a dog or a swine was the vilest offense.


Fruit inspectors - There are those who state that Christianity is not an observable religion but one of doctrinal content.  Doctrine is vitally important.  It is imperative that Christians be well versed in what the Word of God says, not what denominations state.  That said - Jesus was emphatic that we are to know one another by our fruit.  We are to be fruit inspectors.


Ye shall know them by their fruits.  Matthew 7 and 8 each record this admonition.  How can we know what fruit is good or bad unless we know the plumb line, the Bible?


Common grace - ahhh...both the wise man and the fool have storms in their lives - how each fares is based upon whom they are trusting.  Themselves?  They will ultimately fail, they have no true foundation.  The cornerstone (Jesus Christ)?  Storms will come, winds will blow, the waves will rage upon the good and the evil ~ how we stand in the midst shows to all upon whom we trust.


Matthew 8:35 - '...he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.'


Enemies - bless those that curse you, love them that hate you, do good to to them.  How is that possible?  Only by the spirit of God living on the  inside.


Lord, help us to spend time with You daily.  To give the first fruit of our day unto You.  To grow in Your wisdom and knowledge, but also Your love.  Help us Lord to be give a proper estimate of who You are in all that we say, do and think.  Lord, let the light of Your glory radiate from us as we walk this pilgrim's journey - as a light and beacon.