Voices in Matthew 3

Matthew 3:3
The voice of the forerunner.
Speaks of the Lord's importance.
Points to His high position (loftiness).

Matthew 3:17
The voice of the Father.
Speaks of the Lord's innocence.
Points to His humble position (lowliness).

Ways past finding out

And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. - John 8:3-6 (emphasis added)

The Lord's actions stands in stark contrast to that of the scribes and Pharisees. When faced with those who were impatient and lifted up with religious pride the Lord was patient and stooped down in loving humility.

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! - Romans 11:33

Walk before God

Walk before God, and perfect be, 
Care not for human eyes, 
Which but the outward aspect see - 
To Heaven's standard rise.
Be not afraid to let thy ways - 
Each thought, and word, and deed - 
Be tested in the searching rays
Which from His throne proceed.

Walk before God. Be often where 
No human eye can see,
And all thy heart to Him lay bare:
From secret sins be free.
Thus shall thy actions and thy ways
His own approval meet;
Thy life shall be a life of praise,
Its end a triumph sweet.

Walk before God. Be not at ease
Though saints may think you right;
Be careful that Himself you please - 
Be perfect in His sight.
The fear of man but brings a snare - 
Care not for smile or frown;
Misunderstood, still do and dare,
That no one take thy crown.

Walk before God. Obey His Word,
And yield to His demands;
Beware of calling Jesus Lord,
And slighting His commands.
Live for that moment when unveil'd 
Each secret thing shall be,
Which every eye but His has fail'd
Within the breast to see.

William Blane

O my Saviour, I am weary

Lord, I'll bear Thine indignation
(For my sins have hid Thy face),
Till the joy of Thy salvation
Shall be mine again through grace;
Only let me, while I'm weeping,
Weep, O Saviour, at Thy feet;
For, though sin's sad fruit I'm reaping,
There to grieve make's sorrow sweet.

William Blane

Peace, Perfect Peace

Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.

Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?
To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.

Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?
On Jesus’ bosom naught but calm is found.

Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away?
In Jesus’ keeping we are safe, and they.

Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.

Peace, perfect peace, death shadowing us and ours?
Jesus has vanquished death and all its powers.

It is enough: earth’s struggles soon shall cease,
And Jesus call us to Heaven’s perfect peace.

Peace, perfect peace, ’mid suffering’s sharpest throes?
The sympathy of Jesus breathes repose.

Ed­ward H. Bick­er­steth, Jr.

Psalm 28

Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto Thee...Blessed be Jehovah, for He hath heard the voice of my supplications. - Psalm 28:2, 6

It's beautiful how the psalmist found assurance of answered prayer almost immediately and praises the Lord for it. Oh for my soul to find such assurance when I pray!

Vital Equations

Law = Command + Penalty
Grace = Command + Power

1 John - Declaration of the Witness

The World (1 John 5:4-5)
The Witness (1 John 5:6-13)
The Will (1 John 5:14-17)
The 'We knows' (1 John 5:18-20)
The Warning (1 John 5:21)

1 John - Depths of Love

Listening to the Spirit (1 John 4:1-6)
Loving the Saints (1 John 4:7-5:3)

1 John - Deeds of the Devil

Righteous Living (1 John 2:28-3:10)
Really Loving (1 John 3:10-24)

1 John - Delusion of the World

John's address:
To the Entire group - forgiveness of sin (1 John 2:12)
To the Experienced group - familiarity with Christ (1 John 2:13, 14)
To the Energetic group - fondness of the world (1 John 2:13, 14-17)
To the Enthusiastic group - faltering from the truth (1 John 2:13, 18-27)

1 John - Deception of Darkness

Witnessing about the Life (1 John 1:1-4)
Walking in the Light (1 John 1:5-2:2)
Walking by the Law (1 John 2:3-8)
Working out of Love (1 John 2:9-11)

Outline of 1 John

Deception of Darkness (1 John 1:1-2:11)
Delusion of the World (1 John 2:12-2:29)
Deeds of the Devil (1 John 3:1-4:6)
Depths of Love (1 John 4:7-5:3)
Declaration of the Witness (1 John 5:4-5:21)