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The best way to protect the church is to protect its doctrine. What does your church believe? If you’ve never read your church’s doctrinal statement, ask for a copy. Pray today that your church’s leaders and members will all be vigilant in both understanding and promoting God’s truth and sound doctrine.

Today’s church is being tested in this area when it comes to marriage. It should make little difference to the church whether same sex marriage is acceptable to the culture at large or legally recognized by the state. God is the one who sets the standard (Rom. 1:24–27). What is legal may not necessarily be right in God’s eyes.

Traditions themselves are not the problem in the church. The problem comes when we allow our traditions to overrule what God has commanded or we turn our traditions into litmus tests of worship or fellowship. Pray that you will not cling to traditions, habits, or preferences at the expense of obeying God or showing love and grace to others.

Giving financially is a way to be part of God’s work through the church. Paul’s directives are still good: Plan ahead. Give in proportion to your income. Expect those who receive your funds to give an account of how it is being used. Review your budget this weekend to see whether you need to make changes in your giving to the Lord’s work.

Jesus said to let our light shine before others (5:16) and warned against practicing our righteousness to be seen by others (6:1). We face two dangers: first, hiding our faith from others; second, flaunting our faith in order to gain their admiration. Which are you more tempted to do? How might you better follow Jesus by doing the right thing...

What situations or problems worry you? Reflecting on these, what steps can you take to resolve them in a way that advances the kingdom of God? What good things do you hope might come out of these situations or problems? Ask God to bring those good gifts, and pray that God would help you to seek His kingdom above all else.

Jesus not only came to save us but also to show us how we are to live. Paul implores us to “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (Phil 2:5). Think of those suffering from various afflictions, such as disease, malnutrition, or poverty. How might you follow the example of Jesus and help to take up their infirmities and bear their burdens?

Reflect on Jesus’ statements that His disciples will be flogged, arrested, put on trial, and hated by everyone (vv. 16–22). What emotions or responses do these statements elicit? How might these keep you from witnessing about the kingdom of God? Pray that God would give you the strength to be the most effective messenger possible.

As proof that He was the Messiah, Jesus pointed to His great deeds—restoring sight to the blind, healing the lame, cleansing lepers, preaching good news to the poor, and more (v. 5). He still works miracles today. Pray that this will be revealed in the lives of those—whether family, friends, neighbors, or even yourself—who harbor doubts.

The classic hymn “How Firm a Foundation” depicts God promising: “When through deep waters I call thee to go, the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow; for I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless, and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.” Pray for the faith that all distresses will serve God’s purposes, and trust in His power to sustain...