“In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”” (Matthew 3:1–2)
Matthew tells the story of Jesus of Nazareth, the long-expected Messiah who brought the kingdom of God to earth.
Matthew writes his Gospel to demonstrate that Jesus is the Messiah, that he has the right to the throne of David as Israel’s true King, and that he is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would be a blessing to all the world (1:1; Gen. 12:1–3). Matthew seeks to encourage Jewish Christians (and all future disciples) to stand strong despite opposition. They should feel secure in the knowledge of their citizenship in God’s kingdom. Matthew shows that Gentiles also can find salvation through Jesus the Messiah." (source)
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{% set message = { "01": 'Salvation—"Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory." (Isa. 45:8; 2 Tim. 2:10)', "02": 'Growth in Grace—"I pray that my children may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Pet. 3:18)', "03": 'Love—"Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to live a life of love, through the Spirit who dwells in them." (Gal. 5:25; Eph. 5:2)', "04": 'Honesty and Integrity—"May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection." (Ps. 25:21)', "05": 'Self-Control—"Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be alert and self-controlled in all they do." (1 Thess. 5:6)', "06": 'Love for God\'s Word—"May my children grow to find Your Word more precious than much pure gold and sweeter than honey from the comb." (Ps. 19:10)', "07": 'Justice—"God, help my children to love justice as You do and act justly in all they do." (Ps. 11:7; Mic. 6:8)', "08": 'Q1: What is this?
Q2: What is that?', "09": 'Respect (for self, others, and authority)—"Father, grant that my children may show proper respect to everyone, as Your Word commands." (1 Pet. 2:17)', "10": 'Biblical Self-Esteem—"Help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are God\'s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus." (Eph. 2:10)', "11": 'Faithfulness—"Let love and faithfulness never leave my children, but bind these twin virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts." (Prov. 3:3)', "12": 'Look here for questions starting on Monday!', "13": 'Look here for questions starting tomorrow!', "14": 'Psalm 42 - What is the thing or person that you turn to in the middle of the hardest parts of your life? How can you make a conscious choice to turn to God in the midst of your struggles?
Matthew 23 - Does your heart resonate with the desire to make sure that your life does not reflect the Pharisees in any way? Which of the “Woe to you...” statements do you think is most effective in describing the hearts of the Pharisees and why?', "15": 'Psalm 43 - Is God your joy and delight?
Matthew 24 - Are you being vigilant, looking the return of Jesus? Why or why not?', "16": 'Psalm 44 - How can looking back at God’s faithfulness in your life help lead to victory in the present? How might looking at the past lead to complacency about seeking God?
Matthew 25 - Are you putting the gifts God gave you to good use? How are you actively caring about the people in your sphere of influence?', "17": 'Psalm 45 - In this wedding song, what are some of the things that are greatly admired and why? Why would God be praised in the middle of a wedding song?
Matthew 26 - Are you worried about outward appearances of what people will think of you or pouring out praise to God in the moment? Jesus said that both Judas and Peter would betray him, what were their different responses? (Hold onto that thought, we’ll come back to it in a few chapters!)', "18": 'Psalm 46 - As you walk through your day and have frustrations and struggles are you praising God for who He is, your fortress and strength?
Matthew 27 - Judas and Peter betrayal part 2, what are the responses to the personal realization of their betrayal? (Look back at the end of chapter 26.) Jesus had many opportunities to say who he was and refute the accusations of everyone, why would he choose to remain silent when he had made public statements previously?', "21": 'Psalm 47 - How do you praise God?
Matthew 28 - What verse stood out to you? Why?', "22": 'Psalm 48 - What does meditating on God’s unfailing love look like to you?
Hebrews 1 - In verse 3 Jesus is described as the exact representation of God. Does this make you reconsider his sacrifice?', "23": 'Psalm 49 - How does this Psalm make you feel?
Hebrews 2 - Does knowing that Jesus suffered the same temptations as us without sinning change your perspective on sin in your life?', "24": 'Psalm 50 - What “sacrifices” of thanks are you offering to God?
Hebrews 3 - How can you combat hardening hearts and disbelief in your life?', "25": 'Psalm 51 - In repentance can there be true praise? Why or why not?
Hebrews 4 - Verse 11: How can we make every effort to rest? Is that not counterintuitive?', "28": 'Psalm 52 - Contrast the evil doer and the righteous person. How can you emulate a righteous person?
Hebrews 5 – According to Hebrews 5, are you living as an infant or a mature person?', "29": 'Psalm 53 – How can you be trusting God in this corrupt world?
Hebrews 6 – What promises are you waiting for God to fulfill?', "30": 'Psalm 54 – How can you call out to God and praise Him in troubled times?
Hebrews 7 – How are priests of Levi and priests of Melchizedek different?', "31": 'Psalm 55 – In what way can God be your shelter today?
Hebrews 8 – How is Jesus a high priest but BETTER!?'} %}
{# each date has a message #} {% set date = now | date("d") %} {{ message[date] }}I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
[source]
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen.
[source]
"Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made, and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen." [source]
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)