During the past few days we have had icy and frosty cold mornings. I went out to run after a night of freezing rain and almost fell down on our gravel driveway.
The opportunity created an intense temptation to go back to bed but I went to lift weights and hit the treadmill instead. The old tape player I got when I was 13 keeps me company in the "house of pain."
I have been listening to the Beatitudes /Sermon on the Mount over and over again. It has been such a blessing. I'll give it out in pieces later. Too much good stuff!
Okay...
There is a sequential progression of blessings that can be related to our level of spiritual maturity.
If we are supposed to be the salt of the earth and we abandon what makes us salty, we become road base.
If the Beatitudes are not practiced in our daily lives should we be surprised that we get walked on by the world? Why are western churches in a general decline? Hmmmm.
The Law will stand. How you teach others can influence your pposition in the kingdom but if you are depending on self righteousness rather than being justified by faith you won't even get in. It is easy to be self righteous and knock yourself out of the running.
The attitude of your heart matters to God just as much or maybe even more than your actions. Especially in relation to "sins."
Don't swear by things you can't control.
Return evil with good. Go the second mile.
Love your enemies. Everyone loves their loved ones. The imperative (direct order, not suggestion or possible future state) is to be perfect like God. How so? By blessing and loving everyone, whether they are your friends or not. It's all about the heart.
God sees your sacrifice. If you seek recognition from men for your good deeds, you cash a check on earth that God would have honored in heaven. Bad investment.
God knows what you need. Pray like He loves you; He does! Don't babble.
The Lord's Prayer... (That is about halfway...) I'll do this one later.
I love you even if I don't like you! :)
DWB
No comments:
Post a Comment