a 365 day trip through Matthew with a key thought, prayer, focus verse and contextual verses for each day
 |
|
 |
|
It is now time for you to wake up from your sleep, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.The "night" is almost finished, and the "day" is almost here. So we should stop doing things that belong to darkness and take up the weapons used for fighting in the light.Let us live in a right way, like people who belong to the day. We should not have wild parties or get drunk. There should be no sexual sins of any kind, no fighting or jealousy.But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and forget about satisfying your sinful self. (NCV)
Rom. 13:11-14
In the past you wasted too much time doing what nonbelievers enjoy. You were guilty of sexual sins, evil desires, drunkenness, wild and drunken parties, and hateful idol worship.Nonbelievers think it is strange that you do not do the many wild and wasteful things they do, so they insult you.(NCV)
1 Pet. 4:3-4
Try to learn what pleases the Lord.Have nothing to do with the things done in darkness, which are not worth anything. But show that they are wrong.It is shameful even to talk about what those people do in secret.(NCV)
Eph. 5:10-12 |
|
July 10
Deep Darkness - Matthew 14:6-12
On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.
Full Text
Key Thought
"Up to no good."My parents and grandparents used that phrase a lot when I was growing up.As I've come to middle adulthood, I like the phrase, too!There are some things, some activities and some places, that are only for those folks who are "up to no good."Our decision to sin and betray our faith occurs when we choose to put ourselves in those places because we know what they're about.Once we're there and involved, it becomes very difficult not to get sucked into the vile activities involved.
The only thing that was greater than Herod's fear was his sinfulness.Bedding his brother's wife, he has this niece/step-daughter perform a lustful dance that arouses his passion and those of his drunken companions.Clearly this is a situation where everyone is "up to no good."The results are tragic and horrifying.The despicable way that John's body is desecrated speaks volumes of the decadence and debauchery that have taken over.
The clear lesson for me is to avoid the presence of evil and the places where everyone is "up to no good."
Today's Prayer
Holy and merciful Father, guard my heart for wickedness and steps from evil.Through your Spirit, give me the gift of discernment so that I may recognize when Satan is trying to lure me into situations that disastrously evil and vile.I want to serve you in honor and integrity.Please forgive me for my sin and empower me to do your work.In Jesus' name I pray.Amen.
Today's Verses with Jesus
(key verses in bold)
13:53 When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there.54 Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. "Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?" they asked.55 "Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas?56 Aren't all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?"
57 And they took offense at him.But Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor."58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.
14:1At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus,2 and he said to his attendants, "This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him." 3 Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife,4 for John had been saying to him: "It is not lawful for you to have her."5 Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered him a prophet.
Top of Page
6 On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much7 that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked.8 Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist."9 The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted10 and had John beheaded in the prison.11 His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother.12 John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.
(NCV) The New Century Version, (Dallas, Texas:
Word Publishing) 1987, 1988, 1991.
Used by permission.
|
