Matthew 10:26-42; Psalm 96

Matthew 10:26-31
Jesus continues here warning the disciples of coming persecution. I think it's legitimate to make application here to modern day believers who face troubles of any kind. We certainly do face trials in our lives, and it's possible that we may also face some sort of persecution along the way. Believers in many places do!

God assures us that we are important to Him. Look at vv. 29-31, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." I believe these verses are well worth memorizing and meditating on! Whenever we feel anxiety or even panic, we need to remember that God knows all about it, and He has it under His control!

The Life Application Study Bible, p. 1360, makes these comments about these verses:  "You are so valuable God sent his only Son to die for you (John 3:16). Because God places such value on you, you need never fear personal threats or difficult trials. These can't shake God's love or dislodge his Spirit from within you."

Psalm 96
"How can I praise God?"

• Sing! v. 1
• Sing a new song! Since we've been born again, we should have a new song in our hearts! v. 1
• Proclaim his salvation day after day. When we tell others the Good News that Jesus has died for our sins and has risen again, we are praising God. It's also a way of praising God to share His wonderful attributes and works.  vv. 2-3
• Respect Him. v. 4  He is most worthy of praise.
• Remember that He is the Creator. v. 5
• Acknowledge His splendor, majesty, glory and strength. vv. 7-8
• Being offerings to Him. v. 8
• Worship Him v. 9
• Remember that God is the ultimate righteous judge. v. 10
• Know that even nature herself shows forth the wonder of the Lord! vv. vv. 11-13 Go outside and praise the Lord for the beauty of His creation!

For our meditation:
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."  Matt. 10:29-30