{Matthew Chp.5 through Chp.7,Luke Chp.6:37-42} Jesus went up a mountain to teach his follows. He explained to them what it meant to be a disciple of the Messiah,& how to live a life that is pleasing to God. He started off by saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. Blessed are those who mourn,for they shall be comfort. Blessed are the gently, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger & thrist for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure at heart, for they shall see God.Blessed are the peace makers, for they shall be called children of God.Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake,for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. Blessed are you when others insult you or persecute because of me.Jesus said,to rejoice,and be exceedly glad,because great is your reward in heaven.They did the same things to the prophets that came before you. He went on to say that if you do these things, you’ll be the salt of the earth–you’ll be the light of the world. Many people will see it, and glorify God. Jesus said, don’t think that I come to do away with the Law of God! No, it’s the opposite–I come to fullfill it. My disciple are to live by a higher standard. For example; the Law says that you are not to murder. You are to live by a higher standard. You’re not to hate anyone.When yo hate a person, it’s jst as bad as killing them. The Law says that you are not to commit adultery. You’re not to have lust in your heart.You are to live by a higher standard! Uncontrolled thinking is a basis for misery unfaithfulness & divorce. The Law makes provision for equal justice–“An eye for an eye,a tooth for a tooth”. But you are to live by a higher standard! Love those who mistreat you & take advantage of you. When someone does something bad to you, do something good for them. Jesus’s disciple began to feel uneasy. They wasn’t feeling this teaching of higher standard. It was a totally different way of living for them, & it seemed impossible. Then Jesus said; there are three big areas that will keep you from serving God. Pride, money, & worries. Watch out for pride in your spiritual life. God want you to give to the poor, but not as a display of your generosity.He want you to pray,but in the purpose of impressing others. He want you to fast, but not as a show for others to enjoy. You have to do these things privately. They are not hidden from God, & He will reward you for it. Money is another area that will keep you from serving God. You see, money & God are both masters,that demands your total dedication. You can’t serve them both! Dedicate yourself to God, & use money to glorify Him.If you don’t, then you will be controlled by money & what it could buy you. Focus your lief on heavenly teasures. Watch out for the common worries,like food & clothes. These things are not to fill your life with fear. Keep your eyes on God, & accept what He gives you.Look around you whenever you go outside, you would see that God takes care of the birds & the flowers. Don’t you know He cares more for you? He knows what you need, so focus on Him, & let Him worry about you. The entire crowd became restless at such radical teaching, but they got quiet again as Jesus continued. He talked about the attitude they showed toward one another. He said, don’t set yourself up to be a judge as to why others do what they do. Remember, you’re be judge by the same standards you set fo others. Judging someone is as silly as a man with a peice of lumber in his eye. He ignores it, because his focus on the speck of saw dust that’s in someone eles eye. It’s as silly as the blind man helping another blind man down the street–They both will fall in a ditch! Instead of judging someone,give to them. Not in a small way, but in a big way. It’s just like the shopkeeper, the one who says,for the right price, you’ll get a bucket full. Jesus said as you fill your buckle, shake it up, press it down, so you could get more in. Use your body if you have to so you could fill it to the rim. That’s how you ought to give, & in the same way, it would be given to you.The crowd grew quiet as they began to think on what was being said. Then Jesus reached out His hand, & said; If you’re going to be my disciple, you’ll have to do what I say. There are two roads before you. One is wide, & well traveled, It’s the natrual way. But you should take the different road the narrow one. It’s less traveled, but it’s your choice. Just like two men building a house. One builds his house upon a foundational rock, & the other builds his house on sand. When the houses were complete, they both looked very much alike. When the storm came & beat against the houses, the house that was built on a rock stood firm, but the one that was built on sand fell apart. Jesus said, to build your life on a firm foundation of what He’s teaching. That way you’ll be strong when the storm of life comes & beat against you. But if you ignore it, your life will crumble. When Jesus was done teaching, the crowd was amazed, because He taught as one with great authority! Thr grass may wither, & the flowers may fades, but the word of God stands forever! May God bless the readers! Johnny Simmons#309632. R.L.C.C. Hope B-1. 1630 Prison Rd. Cottonport, La. 71327
Johnny Simmons
DOC #309632
