Growing up, my mom used to say, “Don’t invite tomorrow’s troubles into today.” It’s basically a modern rephrasing of Matthew 6:34. Now even she would tell you she didn’t originally come up with this truism (although if you’ve had the chance to hang out with her, I think you’d agree she’s fairly clever on her own). I remember it now because of the relationship I have with the person who first said it to me. This is likely true of any little pearls of wisdom that you treasure now—they sink a little deeper into your heart’s memory when associated with the tender affection we have for the loved ones who spoke them.
I see this section of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount similarly. These are not new commands. These are principles and values laid out in the law, principles given long before Jesus even lived on earth. Somewhere along the course of human history, these commands were distorted by pride, human self-centeredness, fear, and power-grabbing. By the time Jesus stepped in to correct the crowd’s understanding of God’s ways, the original purpose of these commands were smudged with our sticky, sin-filled fingerprints.
This is the situation Jesus entered whenever He taught. He said things the people in the crowd should already be familiar with, particularly the religious leaders and scribes Jesus directly admonished. Matthew 7:28–29 says, “the crowds were astonished at his teaching, because he was teaching them like one who had authority, and not like their scribes.” Jesus provided these insights as someone with intimate knowledge and emotional connection to the Father. This is why His words were spoken with authority and why the crowds could see they more accurately reflected the purpose of the law. Whether He’s clarifying true methods of prayer and generosity or reminding them where their ultimate peace and provision was found, Jesus gifted these instructions to the people from His time spent in the presence of God.
I can easily be overwhelmed reading longer passages like the Sermon on the Mount because of the list-like effect they have when read all together. I want to be Christ-like, as all Jesus followers do, but also careful not to turn my good deeds into a megaphone, magnifying my own self-righteousness. Jesus’s teaching in Matthew 6 settles this anxious feeling in more ways than one. He reminds me that there is a heavenly Father who sees that desire and meets every need in order to accomplish that work. Pieces of the sermon, like the instructions on prayer, give me grounding frameworks so that I don’t feel I have to walk into a mysterious spiritual discipline on my own. And Jesus shows me by His example how to seek His kingdom and follow these commands well, without continuing the legacy of the Pharisees. By staying in communion with Him, taking His lead in how to live my own life based on His Word, I receive everything I need as the child He says is worth far more than the birds of the sky and wildflowers of the field.
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83 thoughts on "Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount Continued"
So thankful for his words!
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Amen
So good!
Amen
Praying for you ladies today!
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Mia I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Praying for you and your family MIA FAITH. May each of you feel God’s peace. So very heartbreaking!
Thank you for your words Kayla! I too was feeling a little overwhelmed by the amount of deep treasures in Matthew 6. Your words reminded me that God see my heart and my intentions and knows I want to follow his instructions. He will help me. I don’t have to take a test on all of it. His patience is highly treasured!
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Mia Faith I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. I have no words to convey the depth of my sadness for you and your family. I am joining all the She’s here in lifting you and your family up to God in prayer.
Mia Faith, I cannot imagine what you are feeling right now or how your heart is shattered. Praying that you would feel god close, holding you up, when you feel you have nothing left
Dear Mia Faith, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am praying for you now and your whole family. May God give you peace and strength and carry you through this time and in the days ahead. I pray that God would prompt many of us Shes to continue in prayer for you when you need it the most. I know you know He is faithful, may you sense His presence with you. Much love to you Dee Dee
Mia I am praying for you and your family right now. I am so so sorry. May God bless you and keep you, may He make His face shine upon you and give you peace.
MIA FAITH – dear sister, I have plenty of tears flowing but no words that can begin to say how very very sorry I am. Lifting your family up in prayer tonight, praying for strength and comfort that only our Lord can provide. Much love & hugs. ❤️
MIA FAITH – I am so sorry for the loss of your husband, and of the loss of your son 10 years ago. You and your family are on my heart and in my prayers. May God’s Presence and Comforrt carry you through your grief.
Wrapping you and yours in prayers, Mia Faith. ❤️
Mia Faith , my heart goes out to you and my prayers are added to all the others.
I’m praying for you sweet Mia and your family
Mia Faith, I’m so sorry! Praying for you and your family to be comforted by the God of all Comfort! I will continue prays in the days ahead!
Mia Faith…my heart breaks for you and your family. I am sending hugs to you and lifting you especially, and your family up in prayer. I hope you will feel that we are lifting you up!
If anyone wants to join us on FB “SRT-SHE’S” page to come together in unity with prayer for our dear sister Mia, we will lift her and her family up to the Lord tonight at 9:45 pm eastern on a live video led by Sharon, Jersey Girl and Michelle Patire.
MIA FAITH – Oh dear sister… I wish I could hug you right now. Joining my sisters in prayer. Praying that God wraps His loving arms around you and holds you and yours very very tight. We are here for you! ❤️❤️❤️
DONNA WOLCOTT – I am glad you found it helpful ❤️
KENDRA C – Praying for God’s guidance in your career path
ADRIENNE – Continued prayers for Sharon and Fred.
AMANDA A – Praying that you cast all your cares on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Mercy – ❤️
JESSICA H – Continued prayers for Isabelle that she gets the help she needs. And peace for her mom while she is so far away.
CAROLINE BRIGES -Praying you find rest in Jesus’ perfect sacrifice. By Him, you and I are saved from the power, the penalty, and the presence of sin. Saved by grace through faith!
LYNNE FROM AL – Keeping you and Jack in my prayers, as well as baby Banks
JENNIFER FEES – Praying God will show you the way and provide you with a job.
RHONDA J. – Prayerful that leading went well yesterday.
CAT-TEE – Hope you arrived home safely. Praying for your mom, that she can maintain a level of independence
MIA FAITH – oh, so sorry for you and your family to experience this tragedy. Praying the Lord strengthens you.
@Mia, my dear sister. I am so, so sorry. My heart breaks for you and your family. Lifting you all in prayer throughout the day today.
Father God, minister to these grieving hearts. Let them feel your arms around them today, lifting them above the waters, carrying them through the fire. Take Mia in your arms and wrap them tightly around her, let her feel and know Your presence, “In Your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all”. Thank You for hearing all our prayers. In Jesus Name Amen.
Julia, loved your prayer this morning especially the last line. I hope you don’t mind, but as I read it I used “my, I, me etc. Thank you for this sharing.
Mia, I’m so sorry about your husband, this always leaves loved ones with so many questions. May God hold you and yours in the palm of His hand and under His wings. May He comfort each of you and pour His peace over you. Hugs, dear sister.
Oh Mia Faith, I am so sorry to hear this. I will be praying for you, your family, everyone affected by this. I can not imagine the pain you’re experiencing. Hugging you from far away and praying Psalm 34:18 for you: Jesus is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those who are crushed in spirit.
MIA FAITH- I am so sorry. I don’t know what to say but my heart breaks at this news. A couple of weeks ago your name popped up in my head. The Lord was alerting me something about you. And I saw you more often in the comments this week and I was having a relief. BUT. I am so sorry. If I can pray with other she’s over you right now and your family…
Father Lord God, we lift Mia and her children, grandchildren and all those connected to her husband, her family in prayers, we pray for Your Mighty Hand to cover them and protect their fragile heart/mind and bind up this wound from such a wicked thing the devil has done again to her family. We pray, as the 4 friends who lift another friend through the roof to find Jesus and healing, we all gather to lift Mia and all in her family, through the obstacle suicide, to find You Lord- the author of Life. The thief came and stole lives from her family, but You come to give abundant life, to turn ashes into beauty. We gather and unite in the Name of the Lord to bind the curse of suicide over her family. Whatever we bind on earth, will be bound in heaven, we ask according to your will and we shall receive. We bind the spirit of death, and we command it to leave everyone in her family from young to old, from this day forth by the power of Jesus’ Name. We prophesy against death and mental illness and all manners of wicked manifestations to come to past in this family. We prophesy that long and happy life will be their portion, joy and peace and happiness will be their portion. Please guard over her mind, everyone’s mind in the days/months/ years to come, and prevent/destroy any future suicide attempts, and scatter every suicide thoughts. Heal them in their anguish and surround them with help and encouragement from their community, schools, workplaces. Father we pray for salvation over every soul in her family, by your grace, may You build them up in their faith and the word which is the sword and armour against Satan, in goldly circles, friendships, connections, mentorships, counselling, therapy. We pray everyone in her family will be equipped with the faith of God, with the knowledge about God to bring down evil strongholds and generational patterns. We ask for supernatural protection, angelic assistance over everyone’s needs in her family in the months and years to come to overcome evil temptations. For the glory of your Name. In Jesus’ Name we pray, and we give You all the praise, glory and honor. Amen.
I got confused by the imagery and that’s only because of the questions that say “what kind of imagery is used to represent faith in these verses?” Then I thought “is our faith inaccessible to the blind?” I sure hope not.
MIA FAITH.. my heart hurts for your troubles… so so very sorry for your loss.. praying dear sister, praying or you all in this very sad and confusing time.. Mia, I will continue to hold you all close..
I am so sorry, Mia..
@MIA FAITH there are no words to describe what you and your family are going through. I am so.s sorry. Praying for you right now that you will feel Gods presence and his arms around you. Holding you and your family up in prayer. Sending you much love ❤️
@Mia Faith… I will be praying for you and your dear family.
@MIA FAITH – praying for you and your family. There are no words to describe the pain I feel for your family. Praying you feel Gods love and presence for you and your family. I cannot describe how sorry I am for your loss.
challenges believers to examine their motivations in spiritual practices and redirect their focus towards God and His Kingdom. It provides a blueprint for a life that is not obsessed with material wealth and daily worries, but a life that is immersed in sincere worship, trusting in God’s provision, and pursuing God’s righteousness.
He encourages seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first. Jesus assures that by focusing on God, all needs will be met and encourages living in the present, tackling each day’s troubles as they come.
Oh, Mia Faith, I’m so sorry. Praying for God to wrap His arms around you, your kids and grandkids. I pray that He would carry you all through this unimaginable loss.
Oh wow, I am overwhelmed with all that Matthew gave us in these scriptures today. I need to stew on this. To fully immerse myself in these teachings. To check myself in judgment and worry. To think about where my treasure is.
Dear God – Help me to seek you first and always. To live as you teach us through these beautiful words. To remember YOU in all things. For I am worth more to you than the birds of the sky and the wildflowers in the fields. I love you Lord.
ERB – Your comment was awesomely helpful.
1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. I think it goes with Philippians 4:12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need.
Being content with where we are right now, added to our trust in Jesus to amply supply our needs, is where great peace resides. As we see people all around us seeking to gain worldly things, spending hours, sacrificing much to gain a position or possessions, where is the actual gain? What do they lose to gain? But we know better, we know that to put aside worldly things is to gain eternal life and eternal joy and eternal peace and eternal contentment. And that can start right now, here on this earth, we need not wait until we finally make it to heaven to live in life, joy, peace, and contentment. We can have it now when we surrender to GOD’s provision for our lives.
MIA FAITH-May God hold you all so close to Him. Praying for you! ❤️
@Mia Faith – Prayed and will continue to life you all up.
These chapters together are exactly what my husband and I have been talking about recently. I turned down an advancement in my current job because I would be required to do unethical things in the name of greed and money. I am currently changing career paths and feel the tug to venture into a nonprofit, mission driven role. I haven’t found it yet but God is calling me to leave. I have a well paying job now so it is difficult. I keep being reminded by the Holy Spirit to focus on one day at a time and to ask for what I need today. God has also impressed on me that the tension I feel in the world is a good thing. It seems we are more individualistic, uncaring, and unkind than ever as a society; largely due to greed. It is a good thing and evidence of a changed heart that I don’t feel like I “fit” in todays society. So while it is hard, I find solace in the fact that I see growth in my life as a Jesus follower.
I will be there, Rhonda J.
MIA FAITH I’m SO sorry, Sister!!!! I will be lifting you and your family up in prayer!
Mia Faith ❤️
I have no words to even say that I think remotely cover the depth of what you are facing. Just know we are here with you and we love you. We are so sorry you and your family are facing such tragedy. God cover your family and shelter them under His wings. God give them eyes to see and hear truth amidst their pain. God heal the brokenness death has created. God be your strength and your shield. God be your righteous right hand. God be your loving embrace. God strengthen you and help you grieve daily, as you sit besides him. He mourns with you. He loves your family so much. God please hear the inner groanings and be their dearest companion of comfort and true peace. Lord cover them with your blanket of peace from Your Spirit, Jesus. Please keep them as the apple of Your eye. Please be near to Mia. Please hear her. Please help her. Please help her through this awful moment in time. You alone know and see the path before this family. Don’t let them forget your love, God … Don’t let them give up on you … Please Lord. Have mercy.
You can find our facebook group (that is private) called SRT SHE’S. When you find it you are required to answer a question to join so I know you are from here! YOU MUST ANSWER that you are a part of SHE READS TRUTH not simply yes to being in a bible study!! I have several requests still that have only answered yes, so if you have wondered why, that is why, please go back and put SRT! It keeps spammers out.
I would like to hold a PRAYER meeting tonight to lift up our dear sister Mia Faith and her family! It will probably be around 9PM eastern, and it will be like our group communion with one of us saying a few words and then lifting her up in prayer together. I will repost in a bit.
MIA- so, so sorry. Thank you for sharing with us and for allowing us to walk with you (albeit from a distance) in this heartbreak. Praying and praying. ❤️
How can I find the Facebook page that is referenced? I joined the larger group but I don’t see the posts and such that have been referenced recently. Is there another one?
Oh MIA….praying right now!! I (WE) are SO sorry!! PRAYING for you and your family this very moment!
Oh, Mia Faith! I am so terribly sorry. What a tragedy! And 10 years after your son committed suicide as well! So many prayers for you and your whole family! Hugs for you! ❤️
@Mia, praying you and your family feel the comfort and peace of Jesus like never before..sending love ❤️
I am so sorry Mia Faith and praying for strength for you and your family. May God’s love cover and comfort you.
MIA FAITH: Oh Mia, I can’t even imagine the shock, disbelief, anger, pain, all the questions… My heart breaks for you and your kids and grandkids. Cling to Jesus. He will carry you through. You may not see His hand now, but you will see it someday. Jump into His arms, pour it all out, don’t hold anything back from Jesus, He can handle anything you have to say. I will certainly be praying for you and your family.
MIA FAITH – I am so so sorry. I will be praying for all of you.
Praying for you and your family @Mia that you will be carried and comforted by God in the days and months ahead.
Oh MIA FAITH… my heart is broken for you, your kids, your grandkids and all your families!! Holding your arms up, PRAYING with and for you all as you walk this beyond understanding and difficult circumstance out.. may you feel God’s arms wrapping around, holding and comforting you!!! We are here dear sister!! We are here!! ❤️
LAURA DIANNE ..Yes!! And AMEN!!! ❤️
Also wanted to share 2 songs: (I will share links to them on the Facebook page)
One I thought of when reading Mathew 7:12-14 it is a song based off on Psalm 84:5-7 called Road to Zion by Mike Hudson (Petra) it encourages me so much every time I hear it!! *interesting fact, I always thought it was “know” stumbling pilgrim, instead of “no”. Either one works and speaks deeply to me!!
“There is a way that leads to life
The few that find it never die
Past mountain peaks graced white with snow
The way grows brighter as it goes
(Chorus)
There is a road inside of you
Inside of me there is one too
No stumbling pilgrim in the dark
The road to Zion’s in your heart
The road to Zion’s in your heart
The river runs beside the road
Its waters living as they flow
In liquid voice the water calls
On thirsty knees the pilgrim falls
Sometimes a shadow dark and cold
Lays like a mist across the road
But be encouraged by the sight
Where there’s a shadow, there’s a light
Sometimes it’s good to look back down
We’ve come so far – we’ve gained such ground
But joy is not in where we’ve been
Joy is who’s waiting at the end”
*The other song, “Goodness of God” (Bethel Music) is a familiar one… but I thought it went really well with what we’ve been reading about. God pursues us and wants what’s best for us!! May we recognize and praise Him!!
“I love You, Lord
Oh Your mercy never fails me
All my days
I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh I will sing of the goodness of God
(CHORUS)
All my life You have been faithful
All my life You have been so so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh I will sing of the goodness of God
I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In the darkest night
You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a friend
I have lived in the goodness of God
Your goodness is running, it’s running after me
Your goodness is running, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now, I give You everything
Your goodness is running, it keeps running after me
I’m gonna sing, I’m gonna sing
I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God”
We recently visited Egypt. The ancient Egyptians were really focused on the afterlife and how you got to go there. Their belief was that when you died, your heart was weighed against a feather, and if it was lighter than a feather (meaning you did more good deeds than bad), you got into eternity, and if it was heavier than a feather, nope. This really brought to light the passage about Pharaoh’s heart being “hardened”. A hard heart would have been eternal damnation to an Egyptian.
As I was reading the Sermon on the Mount, I just kept thinking about the heart, and how that’s what Jesus is really addressing with the people. He was debunking the “actions” of everyone who was supposedly spiritual and telling the people, it’s about your heart. Is your heart in tune with God? Is your heart set on the things of the Kingdom? This is what God wants, our hearts, not our actions.
This really comforts me. Because I trust God that He really does see my heart. I get really hurt when my intentions are misunderstood or come out the wrong way. I think this is what hurts my heart the most with our daughter. She accuses us of hate and I know that I have nothing but love for her. Having your heart misunderstood, weighed incorrectly if you will, is painful. But we can trust the God of the universe to see our hearts correctly. This is both comforting and convicting. There’s no hiding behind flowery words or good deeds. Our hearts are completely exposed to Him.
Thank you, Molly R for sharing the story of your brother. Our family is mostly united on this front as well, and I am glad for that. But it hurts so deeply for the years we have lost with our daughter. She too has missed so many milestones and although it doesn’t get easier, we are all used to it by now. My friends ask about my other kids, but not her. They know. It’s so sad. But God knows that my heart does not have hate for her. That our hard decision came from a loving place, and I will continue to wait on the Lord for the glorious day when she turns and comes back to us and to the God of her youth. Thank you to all who continue to pray for us in this situation. You are very special to me.
Great insights, Laura Dianne. Thanks for sharing. Also, know that you are not alone. We are estranged from two of our three kids, our two daughters. Recently, my husband has been having some concerning
MIA FAITH – Sweet sister, my heart goes out to you and your family! May God give you strength, comfort, and peace through the exhausting days ahead. Praying God’s protection over the hearts of the grandkids as they struggle with this tragedy. Hugs to you! ❤
WOW!!! I got a LOT out of today’s scriptures!!!
1 Timothy 6:1
*this verse speaks VOLUMES to me!!! Godly contentment has been one of my biggest lessons and freedoms!!! Giving ALL to God and being content with what He gives..second by second and moment by moment.. no expectations just sitting at His feet accepting what He is giving and praising Him for it (whether it’s difficult or easy) it has set me FREE from MANY things and has given me FREEDOM, depth and understanding in my relationship with God, which in my human understanding, I didn’t think was possible, but through God, it IS!!! There is also this PEACE, it surrounds me everyday and every moment when I let it!! Not perfect in this..it’s a choice, and I don’t always make the right one!! But I know contentment and it draws me back to God every single time!!! May I dwell in Godly contentment always!! Amen.
1 Timothy 6:11-12
*Flee from self and temptation and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight for these things to rule!! Take hold of eternal life and live that way!! Live Upwards, with eyes focused on God!! His way NOT ours!! Amen.
1 Chronicles 29:11-13
*A-men!!! Praise You Lord Jesus!! Without You God, we have NOTHING!!
Mathew 7:1-2
*deep and important advice!!! I tend to judge others by their worst and best moments, and just keep them there! It’s a huge shortcoming as it puts God and them in a box with no room for growth!! Lord help me in this!! And remind me of this verse anytime I am tempted!! Amen.
Mathew 7:7-8
*Amen!! Thank you God!! Help me do this more often and to BELIEVE & TRUST when I do it!!
Mathew 7:12-14
*As far back as I can remember I have always wanted to see, find, enter and walk this narrow way.. and You’ve helped me do this!!! Though I’ve questioned, stumbled, fallen and gotten turned around.. You’ve kept me on this path!! And I just want to THANK YOU Lord!!! Thank You for hearing my heart cry (all of them) for answering, leading and protecting me (a lot of times from myself) every step of the way!! I surrender to You God. Make my ways like Your Way!! Amen.
Mathew 7:18-20
*discernment. Lord help me to have discernment. Help me to SEE the fruit both good and bad and recognize it for what it is!! Amen.
Mathew 7:24-27
*such awesome imagery!! May my foundation be on God alone!!
Mathew 6:33-34
Mathew 6:24
*You cannot serve 2 masters!! Wow! This hits me deep this morning!! Makes me ask myself again, whom am I serving? Need to make this question a habit, before I do anything!! I am either for God or against Him. Definitely puts things into perspective!! God first, nothing else!! Help me Lord in this!! You take care and provide for ALL our needs, known and unknown. Worry means I don’t trust. Lord, help me to trust You completely and with EVERYTHING!!! Change my mindset and thought processes. Help me be so focused on You that all I see is You at work!! Blessed are You God!! All glory and honor to You forever!! Amen.
Oh, MIA FAITH, my heart is breaking.
So much to take in. Familiar words, for sure. I have this hymn (“Seek Ye First”) running through my head (even with the Hallelujahs that are often omitted during the Lenten season)…
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness;
And all these things shall be added unto you.
Hallelu, Hallelujah!
Ask, and it shall be given unto you;
Seek, and you shall find.
Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Hallelu, Hallelujah!
Man shall not live by bread alone,
But by every word
That proceeds out from the mouth of God.
Hallelu, Hallelujah!
Today’s readings all seem to boil down to this, huh? That first stanza always gets me. Am I seeking His kingdom? Not as often as I should, for sure.
Lord, let not our pride distort Your commands. Let me and my sweet sisters always seek You, Your kingdom, and Your righteousness..
Update on Fred and Sharon… they are working on placement in a rehab facility for Sharon. And Fred has been released from the hospital and staying with his daughter’s family for a few days. She is a doctor. (He is as well… hope he is being a good patient!) He will likely have to undergo chemo, as the cancer was more aggressive than they had thought. Healing needs to happen before further treatment, though. Keep them both in your prayers as they heal, do further treatment and rehab. Thank you!
Please pray for my family! My husband took his life yesterday. We are all in shock. My children (grown mostly) and grands are taking it so very hard. We need prayers.
Oh my gosh…I am so sorry. Praying now.
@Mia Praying for you and your family in these very dark days ❤️
@Mia, praying for you and your family during this tragic time. May God spread His peace over all of you.
@Mia I am so very sorry. I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
I am so sorry. Praying for you and your family.
Praying for you and your family.
Praying now, Mia Faith. I am so very sorry. Lord hold your child, Mia Faith, and her family close.
Oh how much I needed these words this morning! I am struggling with several personal issues and trying to navigate them the best I can. Sometimes we “forget” to give it all to God and allow him to lead our path. …”Power and might are in your hand, and it is in your hand to make great and to give strength to all.”
I’m so grateful I can find my worth in my Savior, and nothing else!
There is almost too much to absorb in these chapters in one sitting. I am not a worrier by nature, so that struck me less than it may others. But other verses, ouch. Matthew 7:1-2 “Do no judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you get.” I don’t tend to think of myself as judgmental, but sometimes I surprise myself by how much I am. Just last weekend I texted a friend while we were at our boys’ volleyball tournament criticizing some parents that were outside smoking in the school parking lot. I was very quickly convinced by the Holy Spirit while I went out for a quick walk between games. Who am I to judge them? Do I not do things that are worthy of judgment? Holy Spirit, continue to convict me of those judgmental thoughts and actions. Change and soften my heart.
Father reward my faith, forgive my doubt and sin. In Jesus name, Amen
Every day I am so grateful reading everyone’s understandings, thoughts, and insights of the Bible readings and devotions. Thank you…and Amen!
I love how the Lord takes and clarifies what was well known but had gotten muddied after years of people that were out of selfish gain interpreting the law. Jesus somehow simplifies the words but challenges us to go deeper.
JESSICA H- prayers for your niece Isabelle and her continued fight for health. It’s a struggle close to my heart after watching others battle their bodies.
Whew! I feel like I just got a lifetime’s worth of advice today in one reading passage. Talk about overwhelmed! So many nuggets to pull out, so many truths to highlight. Anxiety, greed, self righteous- it’s all addressed without any fluff. Jesus said in one sparse sentence what we can spin entire sermons out of. It’s like the Lord’s Prayer he taught. You don’t have to be flowery, use fancy words, go on and on to explain yourself. Nope, God already knows. So, acknowledge his holiness, accept his will, ask for what you need today. I think we have a tendency to over complicate it, but Jesus takes the pressure off with his example.
Amen and amen, JULIE C. ❤️
“Jesus provided these insights as someone with intimate knowledge and emotional connection to the Father. This is why His words were spoken with authority and why the crowds could see they more accurately reflected the purpose of the law. . . . Jesus gifted these instructions to the people from His time spent in the presence of God.” Great observation, Kayla De La Torre. Thank you.
Fulfilling these instruction is not something we can do in our own strength, but only by “abiding” in the vine so it is His will that flows to and through we branches to produce the fruit of which Jesus speaks.
MARIA BAER – prayers for the second interview
JEN B, ANGELA, BEBE ROGERS – continued prayers for your jobs searches and that God is providing for you in your unemployment.
EVERS, JASMINE H, ALYSSA SELBY – also praying for your husbands’ job searches
SHARON, JERSEY GIRL – praying Arian finds a position soon, too!
MERCY …love this!! Shared it, and added it to my journal!! Thank you!!
“God’s definition of “being blessed” are so different and presented here, plain and clear, yet so difficult to come to this level of Blessedness unless by Grace. When someone has a new car, they can take a picture with it, and hashtag blessed. It is a sweet moment, very sweet lol. We rarely see anyone does this when they are mourning, being insulted, persecuted by complex politics, to hashtag as blessed. But God! Our great God counts these incidents as OUR blessedness. The suffering of our afflictions for His sake are regarded as positive deposits in our accounts in Heaven. This changes everything. And it is the most incredible good/best news I’ve ever heard.
Another point (not so easy) is to love our enemies. Love. Don’t retaliate. Bless and not curse. Speak well = bless in words. This is the grace of God that we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. Love the in-law family members who commit to misunderstand you. Pray for the coworkers who might have ignored your hello and smile all this time and possibly have gossiped behind your back. Love the ones who did you wrong, lift them up through your prayers that God will pursue and transform them. Whatever is beautiful…, dwell there. Don’t dwell on their wrongs, and our hurts. Mourn if we must, and we will be set free in the process. And that’s the true condition of blessedness.“
“By staying in communion with Him, taking His lead in how to live my own life based on His Word, I receive everything I need as the child He says is worth far more than the birds of the sky and wildflowers of the field.” Thank you, KAYLA DE LA TORRE
“What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with *getting*, so you can respond to God’s *giving*. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions.” (Matthew 6:31-32, The Message)
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Our dear Father,
You know what is best for us. You know what we need. You delight in giving us all that.
Empty our minds from the preoccupations that this life brings so that we may respond to Your giving.
May we come before You with the confidence that You are going to give us what we would have asked for if we knew everything You know.
May we ask with confidence and humility. May we seek with care and application. May we knock with earnestness and perseverance.
Be the treasure of our hearts so that we may shine for Your glory.
AMEN.
Beautiful ❤️