S – Now when he heard this, he said, “It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick. ¹³ Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice.^, For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.” 

Mathewt 9:12–13 CSB

O – Commentary: 

The Lord’s response demonstrated that His ministry is directed toward those who realize they have a need: Only sick people need a doctor. The Pharisees did not think they were sinners (sick) so they would never have sought out the Lord (the Physician). The Pharisees always brought the proper sacrifices, but they were totally lacking in compassion toward sinners. When mercy is lacking, then religious formalities are meaningless (cf. Hosea 6:6

“Matthew,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – We can do the “right things” and still not do it from the “right heart.”  Man looks at the words or actions and we esteem the person’s character.  God looks at the inside and judges the heart.  We need to make sure both sides align.  Especially, they should align with our relationship with God.

R – Lord, I surrender to you today and desire to align with You.  Let my heart and thoughts be the foundation of knowing and following you.  Let it result in an outward demonstration of love, courage and empathy as I interact with others today.

S – But you yourself have seen trouble and grief, observing it in order to take the matter into your hands. The helpless one entrusts himself to you; you are a helper of the fatherless.

Psalms 10:14 CSB

O – Commentary:

you have noted trouble The confidence of the wicked is unfounded. The psalmist expresses trust that God not only sees their actions, He will act to deliver the helpless.

for the orphan Referring to orphans, who were counted among the most vulnerable in ancient Israel. The Law included special provisions designed to protect them (Exod 22:22–24; Deut 24:19–21). The Psalms describe God as the protector of the fatherless (Pss 68:5; 146:9).

Faithlife Study Bible 

A – There are times we experience tough times or people pass away.  These are tremendously stressful and difficult.  God sees it and allows it.  That in itself is challenging – God in his sovereignty

 didn’t stop it and even watched it unfold in our lives.  It demonstrates great trust and faith in Him to do this when it is happening to us.

R – Lord, there is trouble and challenges that I will face today.  I might not “see” You in it but I can be confident that you are going to work it for my good.  Help me continue to grow in my faith that trusts you in these times. You are limitless and big.  I want to step toward You today in full confidence in what You are doing.

S – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding;

in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5, 6 CSB

O – Trusting God can be challenging because we live in the physical realm and He operates in the spiritual realm.  We recognize and honor Him when we move through what we know into what we believe in Him.

A – The choice to trust Him is ours.  Many things demonstrate who God is and His power.  In the context of all creation, He still knows us and wants what is best for us.

 We must choose daily whether we are going to honor Him or take things into our control.

R – Lord, I surrender to You today.  I choose to trust and believe in You, Your Word and Your promises.  I may not see it but I know You are good and want what is best for me.  Thank you for loving me and being in relationship with me today.

S – So follow the way of the good, and keep to the paths of the righteous.

For the upright will inhabit the land, and those of integrity will remain in it;

Proverbs 2:20,21

O – Commentary:  Doing the “way of the good” and following “righteousness” is not exciting or something people flock to.  Culture wants excitement and new things.  God’s ways are steady and many times require perseverance.  But the fruit is remarkable – ownership, long-standing and honor.

A – Life will have its times of excitement. Situations that require courage, tenacity and “let’s go” attitudes.  We need to be led by the Holy Spirit in those times to move under His direction.  More often, we need to commit to the long race of obedience and doing what God’s Word tells us to do.

R – Lord, we invite you into today to lead us in all situations.  Help us to be faithful to your Word in our daily tasks.  What seems routine is building the foundation of our faithfulness.  When a challenge comes our way, help us to be decisive, courageous and move quickly in Your leadings. Our trust is in you in all situations.

S –  What is a human being that you remember him, a son of man that you look after him? 

⁵ You made him little less than God^, and crowned him with glory and honor.

Psalms  8:4–5 CSB

O – Commentary:

The rhetorical questions in verse 4 emphasize that man is an insignificant creature in the universe (cf. 144:3). Yet God cares for him immensely. It amazed David that the Lord of the universe even thinks about man.

Man was created as God’s own representative on earth, over the Creation, but lower than God. David was amazed that God should exalt finite man to such a place of honor.

“Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – In the expanse of all that is created, humans are a small part of the whole picture. Yet, we are made in God’s image and the one creation God chose to be in a relationship with intimately.  We need to desire God as much as He desires us.

R – Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us enough to create us in Your likeness.  Thank you for desiring a relationship with us.  We invite you today to lead us to walk with You and in your purposes.  Reveal more of your character so we may know You more and take on those same qualities.

S – For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. ¹⁵ But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your offenses

Matthew 6:14–15 CSB

O – Commentary: 

Though God’s forgiveness of sin is not based on one’s forgiving others, a Christian’s forgiveness is based on realizing he has been forgiven (cf. Eph. 4:32). Personal fellowship with God is in view in these verses (not salvation from sin). One cannot walk in fellowship with God if he refuses to forgive others.

“Matthew,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – When I realize how much God forgives me, how can I not forgive someone else?  It is hypocritical to accept my forgiveness and not extend it to others.

R – Lord, thank you for the forgiveness of my sins through Jesus’ death on the cross.  I do not deserve it but I am grateful for it.  Help me to have that same heart when it comes to forgiving others.  By forgiving them, I release myself carrying that burden.  Your grace is sufficient for me.

S – Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. 

Genesis 15:6 CSB

O – Commentary: 

And Abram believed: God made his covenant with a believer; the statement does not indicate when Abram came to faith. The Hebrew text does not link Abram’s belief with the promise of the stars; it just says parenthetically that Abram believed God. Abram already had faith; his departure from Ur was his first great act that demonstrated it (see Heb 11:8–10). • God counted him as righteous because of his faith: This central statement about Abram’s saving faith is quoted three times in the NT (Rom 4:3, 22–23; Gal 3:6; Jas 2:23) to support the doctrine of righteousness before God by faith

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – This makes a clear distinction that we need to decide to believe who God is.  Also, we need to continue to believe in the Lord’s leading in our lives. Both make the distinction of God’s place in our lives.

R – Lord, thank you for the opportunity to believe in who You are.  You are God of everything, creator of all.  We are also grateful that you desire an ongoing relationship where we see the fulfillment of your purpose and plans by believing in You.

S – The Lord said, “If they have begun to do this as one people all having the same language, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them

Genesis 11:6 CSB

O – Commentary:

The account in Genesis views this city as the predominant force in the world, the epitome of ungodly powers, in a word, the “anti-kingdom.” Thus the record in verses 1–9 is polemical in that it shows God’s absolute power in His swift judgment. What the people considered their greatest strength—unity—He swiftly destroyed by confusing their language (v. 7; cf. v. 9). What they considered their greatest fear—scattering (v. 4)—came naturally on them (the Lord scattered them … over all the earth, v. 8; cf. v. 9). What they desired most—to make a name for themselves (v. 4)—ironically came to pass, for they became known as “Babel.” Then they stopped building the city and were scattered abroad.

“Genesis,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A- We must check our hearts when we are doing something. Unity is a wonderful strength. Fear of scattering can be healthy. Even the desire to be known is good if the intention is bringing people closer to God.  It cannot be about us – it needs to be about Him.

R – Lord, I am grateful that you invite me into your plans.  I want to bring glory to Your name.  I want to work in unity with my team and stay solid.  Help us to do this in a way that honors you.  Let our teamwork and unity be a message of your love.

S – Whenever I form clouds over the earth and the bow appears in the clouds, ¹⁵ I will remember my covenant between me and you and all the living creatures: water will never again become a flood to destroy every creature.

 Genesis 9:14–15 CSB

O – Covenant (בְּרִית, berith; διαθήκη, diathēkē). A sacred kinship bond between two parties, ratified by swearing an oath. 

“Covenant,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary 

Interesting that the God who created everything felt like He needed to make a “sacred kinship bond” with mankind whom He created.  God wanted a relationship from the beginning.

A – If God wanted a relationship so much that He put a restriction on Himself, how much more should we want a relationship with Him? 

R – Lord, I am grateful that you want a relationship with me.  Thank you for the cross that provided it.  I invite your Spirit into today so that I may walk in your presence and be led by you.

S – Jesus answered him, “Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John allowed him to be baptized

Matthew 3:15 CSB 

O – Commentary:

Jesus’ response to John was that it was fitting for Him to take part in John’s baptism at this time in order to fulfill all righteousness. What did Jesus mean? The Law included no requirements about baptism, so Jesus could not have had in view anything pertaining to Levitical righteousness. But John’s message was a message of repentance, and those experiencing it were looking forward to a coming Messiah who would be righteous and who would bring in righteousness. If Messiah were to provide righteousness for sinners, He must be identified with sinners. It was therefore in the will of God for Him to be baptized by John in order to be identified (the real meaning of the word “baptized”) with sinners.

“Matthew,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Jesus identifies with our sin even when he had none of His own.  He is crucified on a cross for someone else’s sin.  Both are driven by a love that I cannot fathom.  That is an amazing love.

R – Heavenly Father, thank you for the love that Jesus displayed on the cross for us.  It finds us where we are today.  We invite your Spirit to lead today and help us walk in that same love for You and others.  Empower us to be your vessels today and reach others with your love.