Scripture

Matthew 23

Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway

Observation

For what did Jesus criticize the Pharisees?

Application

Do I “practice what I preach”? Do I have a proud, superior attitude? Do I focus on the letter of the law while violating its spirit?

Prayer

Pray today’s Scripture back to God:
Dear Father God, Help me to practice what I preach, and not demand or expect from others what I am unwilling to do myself. Keep me on guard against pride and arrogance. Instead, give me a humble heart like Jesus had, willing to serve everyone. Help me to focus on what is more important in the law — justice, mercy, and faithfulness, and loving you and loving people. I ask this in Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Pray to BLESS!

One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:

• B – BODY (physical health)
• L – Labor (their job or school)
• E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
• S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
• S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)

Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries.

• Moy & Janeth Ortiz
• Doug & Pam Patchin
• Jared & Amanda Patchin (Alex, Luc)
• Keith Rast

Ministry:

• Boise Rescue Mission

CLF:

• That we will be people who are devoted to giving to the Lord’s work and to anyone who has a need.

Community: Pray for the salvation of the lost

• Readiness to repent
• Hearts prepared to hear God’s voice
• Deep dissatisfaction and unrest with life without Him
• Godly influences

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. – 1 Corinthians 15:58 (HCSB)