• Read Matthew 7:6-11

Again—how is Jesus saying that life works in His kingdom?

What are we asking, seeking, and knocking about?

I like to think of this as: I’m talking to God about what’s on my heart, what I need; then I’m looking around with my eyes to see how He is answering, or how He is providing; then I’m using some action and beating on the door!

Then what is His promise to us?

What is God’s character in relationship to us as described here?

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

• Read Matthew 7:3-5

What is Jesus saying here related to how life works in His kingdom?

Where is the hypocrisy happening?

Can you think of a time when you had the plank in your eye? What happened?

Jesus doesn’t say that we shouldn’t help our brother or sister with the speck of sawdust in their eye, just that we should also be examining ourselves. How do you currently examine your own actions, thoughts, motives? Do you have anyone that helps you with this?

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

• Read Matthew 7:1-2

What do you think Jesus means in these verses?

How would you define judging or being judged?

Is there ever a time to judge someone?

What does it mean “measured to you?”

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Ahhh—this is the perfect morning to sit again and watch the birds. Watch the flowers. Stare at the grass moving with the breeze.

Ask the Spirit to prepare your heart to worship Him this morning.

• Read Matthew 6:25-34

Read and listen to these verses several times through. Read slowly aloud. Really pause and think about the word and thoughts.

• How is Jesus describing a kingdom- minded person according to these verses?
• What pops out to you the most—spend some time reflecting on that—write it out here:
• How would life look different next week, tomorrow, if you believed that you could trust God to care for you?

Memorization Verse:

Matthew 5:3-9 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

• Read Matthew 6:33-34

What does it look like in real life to seek His kingdom first?

What about His righteousness?

Is Jesus promising to give us whatever we want as long as we seek his kingdom and righteousness? What is He saying here?

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

• Read Matthew 6:31-32

In your life, how have your parents—your father, or your mother—shown you that they know what you need from them?

How has God demonstrated to you that He cares about what you need?

Lay out your needs right now to the Father—make a list, then pray through it. Visualize yourself lifting these things up and handing them to the Father.

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”