(The Story of Jesus)
As all great preachers should do, Jesus begins wrapping up his “message on the mount” with follow through about HOW to do what He has asked us to be. Yes, he is giving us the “so what” at the end of the sermon by telling us how to behave. He has given us the why, now he delivers the simple guide to better behavior that pricks our souls and cause us to evaluate our own lives. If we really want what He wants for us, then we will listen and sharpen our skills for living in ways that make God smile. This is called abundant living full of peace and unconditional love.
Jesus also reminds us no more slogans. Our facebook newsfeeds are full of slogans…some encouraging, some not so much. I am guilty of posting quite a few myself. Most of the time my heart is full of good intent, to use phrases to encourage our walk. Sometimes they are just ways to make us smile. Let’s avoid those that are just plain mean, Let’s be careful, because although some sound nice, they are not scriptural. Now on to what Jesus says…
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults–unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomerangingIT’s easy to see a smudge on yoru neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.”
–Jesus, Matthew 7, Msg
DON’T REDUCE YOUR LIFE TO SLOGANS…ouch
“Don’t be flip with the sacred. Banter and silliness give no honor to God. Don’t reduce holy mysteries to slogans. In trying to be relevant, you’re only being cute and inviting sacrilege.” — Jesus
NO BARGAINING WITH GOD!
“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If you child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the god who conceived you in love will be even better?” — Jesus
SIMPLY JESUS…
“Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior. Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for THEM. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get. –Jesus, Matthew 7, Msg
Dear Heavenly Father, There is nothing in Your Word today that we do not understand, we just have to be more careful and alert to live it! Help us to live what You say in ways that please You. We love You with all that is within us, help us to really love each other in the same way You love us. In Jesus Name, Amen
Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus) 