MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9
Scripture: Matthew 5:5:19-20

Matthew 5:19-20 says, “Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven, for I say to you that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” In this passage Jesus is articulating the way of the Lord to the disciples in the Sermon on the Mount. He is making it very, very clear that judgment and righteousness are the foundation to walk with Him and to represent Him. Judgment is real, righteousness is real and as we walk in righteousness we are called to be demonstrators of God’s Own judgment! The Holy Spirit facilitates this judgment as we walk with Him praying, proclaiming and declaring His will! It is good to be reminded that we are to pray His will – not our own! Judicial prayer is not about retribution or pay back. It is about careful, deliberate attention to God’s voice and leadership, and then praying as He leads!