Today's Verse - Psalm 31:1 (KJV)

In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.

—Psalm 31:1 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...​

When all the clutter is stripped away, what is your real hope?
When you push aside the diplomas, awards, accolades, and honors, what is the basis of your significance?
Only one source for hope and only one basis of significance is trustworthy. Only One endures forever! Only our Father in heaven guarantees that the significance of our life endures. So let's place our hope in the LORD. Let's see him as our refuge. Let's trust that he will deliver us because he is righteous and we have placed our hopes in him.

My Prayer...​

O LORD, God and Redeemer of our Fathers, Keeper of your many promises, thank you for allowing us to place our hope, future, and significance in your hands. Please give us the courage and the confidence to know that you will not let us be put to shame, but will share with us your righteousness and claim us as your special possession on that day when we stand in your presence in glory. In Jesus' name, we anticipate that day as we pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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[Isaac Samuel Lubwama]

The "Sermon on the Mount," found in Matthew chapters 5-7, is a collection of Jesus' teachings that focuses on the principles of living within God's kingdom. It emphasizes love, compassion, and selflessness, encouraging believers to love their enemies, forgive others, and care for the poor and marginalized. The sermon also highlights the importance of humility, righteousness, and living a life of integrity.

Here's a more detailed look:
Key Teachings:

• The Beatitudes:
  Blessings for the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those persecuted for righteousness.
  
  
• Being the "Salt of the Earth" and "Light of the World":
  Believers are called to be a positive influence on the world through their actions and example.
  
  
• Fulfilling the Law:
  Jesus clarifies that he came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, emphasizing the spirit of the law rather than just the letter.
  
  
• Internal Transformation:
  The sermon addresses anger, reconciliation, adultery, divorce, oaths, retaliation, and love for enemies, highlighting the importance of inner righteousness.
  
  
• Practical Guidance:
  The sermon provides practical advice on giving to the needy, praying, and fasting in secret, as well as not worrying about material possessions or outward appearances.
  
  
• Kingdom Living:
  Jesus teaches about storing up treasures in heaven, serving God, not being anxious, and seeking first the kingdom of God.
  
  
• Judgment and Discernment:
  The sermon warns against judging others and encourages believers to focus on their own shortcomings.
  
  
• The Narrow and Wide Gates:
  Jesus describes the narrow gate that leads to life and the wide gate that leads to destruction, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right path.
  
  
• False Prophets:
  The sermon warns against false prophets and emphasizes the importance of doing the will of God.
  
  
• Importance of Relationships:
  The Sermon on the Mount also stresses the importance of relationships with others, urging believers to be reconciled with those who have something against them.
  

Significance:
The Sermon on the Mount is considered one of the most important and influential teachings of Jesus. It provides a framework for Christian living, emphasizing the importance of love, righteousness, and a focus on God's kingdom. It challenges believers to live in a way that reflects God's character and values.