17: Of course, many among the Jews had already begun to form the opinion that Christ was trying to do damage to the law. Indeed, the issue of the law is the very heart of controversy in Jesus’ life. People either accepted or rejected his teaching concerning the law. This sermon has much to do with Christ’s view of the law. To miss that will lead to misunderstanding.
The key word here is fulfill. It literally means to complete. Jesus had come, not to subtract from the law, but to add to it. He was preparing to explain the law in a way that had never before been heard. God himself was present to comment on the law. This had not occurred in this way since Sinai. In fact, the Sermon on the Mount is the greatest explanation of the meaning of the law given at Sinai that has ever been delivered. Jesus was trying to help these people understand that he was there to help them understand the law better than ever. As the Author, he was preparing to elucidate upon his own work.
18: Although most people are already aware that the ‘jot’ and ‘tittle’ are very small marks in the Hebrew language, the phrase ’till heaven and earth pass’ has not received so much commentary. Many think it is an idiomatic expression meaning never. However, given the content of the book of Revelation, it seems quite likely that Jesus is referring to the future. God’s Word shall always stand because it is inextricably linked to him. But, once the purpose of the law has been completely completed, it will ‘pass’ away in a sense. At that future time, sin will cease to exist. Therefore, the law, which deals with sin, will no longer be needed in the same way.

Daily Bible Reading: Job 4:1-6:30

Daily Memory Verse: Jude 1:1 “Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:“

Daily Tidbit: Bananas are actually the most consumed fruit on earth. They come in many varieties. The Banana plant, though sometimes called a tree, is indeed a plant (a herb). A single banana can also be called a ‘finger’, and the tiers on a bunch of bananas in called a ‘hand’.

Praise Journal: Heavenly Father, thank You for today. Your goodness is limitless. Your faithfulness knows no boundaries. Remind us constantly that You are in control of everything. We easily forget that You know exactly what is going on. Help us to always trust You with everything. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Prayer Journal Highlights: Pray for an older couple with back pain. Pray for a large Christian family. Pray for a man having back surgery soon.

Personal Journal Entry #12154

15: It is amazing what simple illustrations are used in scripture. Complicated examples are rare. Most of the explanations are fairly straightforward. This is by design. The illustrations are simple so as to emphasize the fact that the concepts are simple. If one lights a candle, it is meant to be seen. If one knows the gospel, it is meant to be shared.
16: Although Christians are not meant to go around trying to impress people, we are supposed to live lives that are noticeably different from the norm. This will only be natural if we live right. We are not to be impressed with ourselves, nor are we to seek the attentions of others. We are, however, supposed to live in such a manner that attention will be drawn to God the Father. The best way to do this is to make much of Christ. He must be the central focus of our testimony.

Daily Bible Reading: Esther 9:1-Job 3:26

Daily Memory Verse: Jude 1:1 “Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:”

Daily Tidbit: In today’s evolution-laden atmosphere, certain facts concerning animals seem to be hidden, or not mentioned often. However, it is amazing to discover how many animals can breed with each other. For example, lions can breed with tigers, leopards, and jaguars. Thus, they may all have come from one ‘kind’ of animal to begin with.

Praise Journal: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your protection from the devil. As with Job so many years ago, You still hold all of the power, and the devil can do nothing without You knowing and being in ultimate control of the situation. What a comfort this is! It is a glory to You that You have allowed people to choose not to love You, and yet have kept us alive so that some of us might turn to You. We must be thankful for Your graciousness. Indeed, it is a joy and pleasure to know that You are on the throne. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Prayer Journal Highlights: Pray for a family, as well as a single man, having financial difficulties at this time.

Personal Journal Entry #12153

14: The light of the gospel has been shining brightly since the time of Christ. the city on the hill is not only an illustration, but it also stands as a rallying cry for the army of ambassadors for Christ. The light of the gospel cannot be, and has not been, hidden. Each Christian must, however, shine his or her light in the corner of the globe where they have the most influence. Light is something that everyone is thankful for. Though persecution will arise from evil men, Christians should inspire thankfulness in the hearts of decent, common people. Our character should be above reproach, and our speech should match it.
Jesus is here using a simple example to tell his followers to make the light available. If a city is not set on a hill, it may not be seen readily. For wayfarers it is always a comfort to see the lights of civilization, though today they are so bright that being on a hill is not always necessary.

Daily Bible Reading: Esther 4:1-8:17

Daily Memory Verse: Jude 1:1 “Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:”

Daily Tidbit: When the Jews returned to Jerusalem from captivity there was a need for a good number of them to live in Jerusalem. this was important for the protection of the walls and temple which had been rebuilt. Nehemiah 11 shows that they actually cast lots (like tossing a coin) to see who would live there. Those who were selected (ten percent of the people) willingly left their current place to live in Jerusalem.

Praise Journal: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Spirit. You draw people to Yourself by Your Holy Spirit. This is the greatest blessing I can think of, to be pursued by Almighty God. But, after salvation, You add to the blessing. Your Spirit, living within us, seeks to sanctify our lives for Your glory. We literally have a personal coach for life inside of us as Christians. This is a great comfort! Help us always to listen to our personal trainer, that we ma be ‘in shape’ for life. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Prayer Journal Highlights: Pray for a couple at church having health issues. Pray for some unsaved neighbors, and that we can be a witness to them.

Personal Journal Entry #12152

13: Salt is one of the most useful things on the planet. It is used as a flavoring, and as a preservative. The disciples of Christ, knowing his teachings, are to be like salt to flavor and preserve this world. Now, the fact is that, normally, salt does not lose its flavor. It just is not chemically possible. However, the salt in Palestine often has extra impurities in it. Thus, if the actual salt dissolves, the impurities are left. So, in this way, the salt may be said to ‘lose its flavor’ and become worthless. This is why Jesus asks what the salt will be slated with to make it salty again. It is a rhetorical question, and he provides the answer. The ‘salt’ is worthless if it is no longer salty. Thus, his followers should be careful not to forget his teachings and cease to teach them to others.

Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 13:1-Esther 3:15

Daily Memory Verse: Jude 1:1 “Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:”

Daily Tidbit: As many people have, I always thought Jesus was talking about salting the earth when he asked, ‘wherewith shall it be salted?’ in the second part of Matthew 5:13. That he was speaking of the salt at that point in the verse makes much better sense.

Praise Journal: Heavenly Father, help me to always be ready to share Your truth with others. It is easy to be ready when we are expecting the opportunity. It is much harder when the opportunity sneaks up on us. Thank You for Your infinite resources given to help us in the task. This job of taking the gospel to the world is a blessing because we are only tools in Your hand. If we had to do it alone, we would fail. Father, help us. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Prayer Journal Highlights: Pray for two older couples that are having health issues. Pray for a family to get back to church.

Personal Journal Entry #12151

12: Of course, normally, suffering does not bring joy on any account. But suffering for the cause of Christ should indeed bring a very great measure of joy and gladness to one’s heart. Suffering for Christ stands as evidence of the true nature of a person as a child of God. As Jesus has already said, such persons will see Almighty God, be called his children, and live in his kingdom for eternity. Rewards will be given in that day that cannot possibly be fully appreciated at this time. They shall not be given on the basis of what is deserved, but on the basis of the grace of him who is giving. As Jesus says elsewhere, more will be given to those who already have much.
The prophets were persecuted for telling the truth about God. This is the focus, a true look at the God of all. Knowing him as he truly is gets at the heart of the Sermon on the Mount. It shows the law to be far more than a list of rules. It is to be a reflection of the character of the One who gave it. In fact, Jesus was about to let them all know that the law was not being followed strictly enough. This was because men had lost sight of a truthful reflection of the character of the Holy, Almighty God.

Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 11:1-12:47

Daily Memory Verse: Jude 1:1 “Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:”

Daily Tidbit: According to Ezra 2, there were some families that came back from the captivity who could not show proof of their lineage. The priests among these were not allowed to minister as they would have otherwise. They had to wait for the high priest to be able to determine the will of God with the Urim and Thummim. This has happened by the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. But, his people do not recognize him as such.

Praise Journal: Heavenly Father, thank You for the fact that we can rely upon you for our needs. Help us to trust You wholeheartedly. You have given us difficulties in our life to help remind us that we need You. Many, who feel that all their needs have been met, do not see their need of You. May we never be that way! Help us all to realize that we are so dependent upon You. Root out the self-sufficiency hiding in my heart. Give me a heart that leans upon You. O Father, Your provision is always what we need. You are perfectly aware of my every lack, and You already have a plan to fill me up to the brim with solutions. O Lord, we praise You for Your love for us! It is so precious. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Prayer Journal Highlights: Pray for a neighbor that is elderly and not feeling well. Pray for a neighbor who has cancer. Pray for an elderly couple with health problems. Pray for a missionary and his wife. Pray for a missionary who recently lost his brother. Pray for Wayside Baptist Church.

Personal Journal Entry #12150

11: It is quickly forgotten that the Sermon on the Mount contains such verses as this. This verse, among others, reminds us that this is not just a message for mankind in general. But, instead, it addresses a specific group who will identify themselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. The key of this verse is the phrase ‘for my sake,’ which makes the point quite clear. Jesus is very plainly teaching that those who will receive God’s blessings will be those who take up his cause. They will be the brunt of the same ridicule that Christ faced when he was in this world.
Followers of Christ will be falsely accused. Evil men constantly call evil good and good evil. Mean and deriding things will be cast into the face of those who follow Christ wholeheartedly. Persecution here literally means that Christians will be hunted down for the purpose of abusing, shaming, and even murdering them.

Personal Journal Entry #12149
Prayer Journal Entry #12149
Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-10:39
Praise Journal Entry #12109: Heavenly Father, help us never to be made fun of for doing that which is not consistent with Your will. It is a great shame to be legitimately persecuted. However, Father, we ask for You strength to endure persecution when we are doing right. We always want to be found upon the side of right and good. We would be good because You are good. Your ways are perfectly holy and just. May we always walk in them! Give us the courage to do what is right no matter what we might face. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

10: Righteousness, produced in one’s life by Almighty God, will bring persecution in one form or another. It is only to be expected that those who see a quality in the righteous that they themselves do not possess will be mad about it. Indeed, though many would deny it, godly righteousness produced in the lives of those who love and serve God has been the cause of more evil than any other single thing. Good the greatest cause of evil? Yes. Evil deeds are most often done to satisfy the desires of a conscience disturbed by the just demands of our holy God. Sin is used as a salve for guilt. However, rather than curing the wound, it only makes it to grow far worse. Like itching a wound may feel good for a time, but leads to infection and a worsening of the original condition of the sore. It may make the unrighteous feel better about themselves, but it will only lead to greater judgment. The mistreatment of the righteous is one of the easiest ways to salve a guilty conscience with sin. But, it carries with it the worst of consequences.

Personal Journal Entry #12148
Prayer Journal Entry #12148
Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 5:1-7:73
Praise Journal Entry #12108: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your work in this world. I often find myself so concerned about how I might better serve You that I forget You are at work no matter what I may do. When I set my head on the pillow at night You are saving souls on the other side of the world. While I live through my day, You are constantly active in everything. You are not busy simply because You are the Maker and Sustainer of the universe, but because You are the Savior and Lover of mankind. Help me, help us all, to see the big picture, and to pray as Stephen when he was stoned, ‘Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.’ Make us lovers of the souls of men, just as You are. Give us that desire to give them the chance to embrace the truth, even as they try to put out the light of our witness. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

9: Peacemakers, in their best form, are those who understand the peace of God. Knowing the peace that he can bring to our souls is very helpful when it comes to making peace with and among others. Jesus has just this kind of people in mind. Not those who simply seek any form of peace they may obtain. But instead, it is those who promote the peace of God among their fellows.

Personal Journal Entry #12147
Prayer Journal Entry #12147
Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 1:1-4:23
Praise Journal Entry #12107: Heavenly Father, thank You for your wonderful, overflowing peace. It is so wonderful to know that we have peace with You through Christ Jesus. Your peace is not just a lack of conflict, but a beautiful state of being. I  could never know just how much Your peace has changed my life. It can bring to each of us joy beyond measure. May we always share Your peace with others. Make us lovers of Your peace. Help us to seek it among ourselves at all times, even in times of conflict. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

8: The pure in heart are those who have genuine righteousness. They seek not to be justified by some good work. Nor are they vain actors who only look to be holy. They have appropriated the righteousness that God has made available to them. Jesus has this same theme throughout this sermon. The righteousness that God seeks is greater than what can be produced by works alone. We must be pure in our very heart and soul. Such persons shall see Almighty God in glorified bodies one day in heaven.

Personal Journal Entry #12146
Prayer Journal Entry #12146
Daily Bible Reading: Ezra 8:1-10:44
Praise Journal Entry #12106: Heavenly Father, Almighty God, You are the Source of righteousness. Make us pure in heart by Your Son, the Lord Jesus. Thank You for salvation through him. Without him we would have no hope. O Father, thank You for the blessed hope of the soon return of Christ. We look forward to this each day. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

7: The merciful here refers to those who have mercy as their constant companion. This is not that group that is merciful for a show of self-promotion. That is not true mercy. No, this is that group of men and women who naturally care for the state of others. They are always mindful of other people’s needs. They not only seek to help when they are asked, but also they try to assist any who seem to be in need.
These will receive mercy. It is implied by the context that Almighty God will be the source of this mercy. Although he may use other people to deliver some of it, it is likely that the focus is here upon mercy directly from the Lord. We are quick to want this kind of mercy. But, very often, many of us are not so quick to hand it out.

Personal Journal Entry #12145
Prayer Journal Entry #12145
Daily Bible Reading: Ezra 4:1-7:28
Praise Journal Entry #12105: Heavenly Father, thank You for this wonderful day, and the great weekend that came before it. Help us to always be mindful that our days are gifts from You. Almighty God, You are our joy in life. You make every day special and exciting. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.