May you confess Christ to be your Strength, your Defense, and your God of mercy. May you see and know His power and praise Him for it. May you remember His wonderful works of mercy through judgment. May you be more mindful of HIs mercies to you that are new every morning, and praise Him for those morning mercies! You aren't alone in this battle. You are His and He is yours. Go to Him and rest in Him!

Do you see the great testimony of these physical beggars who were spiritual servants of Christ? Do you see the great testimony of these men who didn't beg the Messiah for money, but for mercy? Shunned by the world, but loved, called, and healed by Jesus.

When the enemy pursues, watches, and waits for the perfect time to pounce and seize you, never forget to be regularly in prayer to your Lord who loves you in Christ, that He would deliver and defend, that He would snatch you and raise you higher than the reach of your enemy that rises up. Praise God for all that He has done for you as you are in Christ both now, and at the final Judgment. For you know His mercy now, and will see it with wonderful clarity on the Last Day as Jesus will show His mercy through His judgment of the wicked.

Do you see this lesson on greatness and its inseparable connection to Christ and His Gospel? May the Spirit use this passage to both convict and grow you in your daily battle with desires for vain glory and prideful ambition. The biblical view of greatness in the kingdom of Heaven isn't found in any rise to position or power. It isn't being in a place of honor or authority. No, it's having Spirit wrought and flourishing humility and love that is evident in your heart and life being focused on service and self-sacrifice, especially in the midst of suffering, as you seek to be faithful in imitating Christ as you follow Him.

As you pray for divine judgment, you must praise the divine Judge. As you pray for judgment against the enemies of Christ, so too must you praise Jesus, the Just Judge, when He pours out His wrath on wicked sinners. You do so knowing that He doesn't act vindictively, but rather perfectly vindicates His righteousness and holiness in all that He does.

Do you see the great mercy of God in His sovereign electing grace to His people? He didn't HAVE to choose anyone to be saved. And yet, He has compassion on whom He wills. He has mercy on whom He wills, and shows His mercy to you who are trusting in Christ through what He has done for you in and through Christ.

God's Blessing on Israel, There Is No Other God, Idolatry is Foolishness, Israel Is Not Forgotten, Judah Will Be Restored

What is faith in Jesus Christ?