Matthew Five

Matthew 5 is loaded with really good stuff! First, there are the Beatitudes:

 

Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, and those who are reviled because of their love for Christ.

 

Next there is what we should be: The salt of earth and the light of the world. As salt, we should not lose our flavor. As light, we should not hide it under a bushel.

 

There is deeper meaning given and what our reaction should be on: anger, lust, divorce, oaths, retaliation, and love for enemies.

 

Then there is verse 44, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

 

Why? Is it because we, as Christians, are doing more than what others do!

 

A final example: verse 45, God “makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends the rain on the just and the unjust.”

By The Book

In our church service this past Sunday, the pastor talked about what God intended when we were born. He stated we were “born to believe, obey, overcome, and love.” This led me to my word of the day which is Book. I simply changed love to keep, because if we keep God’s commands, we will love. Following is my summary:

 

B elieve in Jesus and be saved

O bey God’s commands

O vercome the world by following God’s instructions

K eep God’s laws and love God and others

 

If I follow the above, I will have written a good Book of my life’s earthly brief journey and ready myself for my heavenly everlasting journey. However, the one sure way to prepare and get ready for eternal life is to believe. If we believe, we will overcome. If we believe, we will obey. If we believe, we will keep God’s laws and love as we should. 

 

Never forget the verse from John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” 

 

 

Good Always, Always Good

During creation, God looked at His work and said, “It is good.” In Romans 8:28 we find that “for those who love God all things work together for good.” 

     Not all of life is good. There is going to be some bad, but the good overrules. I must remember that the bad is there to help me grow and ready me for the good to come. I love the phrase, “God is good all the time. All the time, God is good."

     Therefore, my word of the day is Good.

 

G od first in every day.

O ffer thanks to God. Thank Him “Before” and thank Him “After”.

O vercome the bad with God’s help, for He is with me.

D aily, hourly seek God in every situation.

Freedom Rings!

I posted this morning early, but as I was reading through a few previous writings, I found this poem and thought it very appropriate for the 4th of July weekend. I hope you enjoy!

Freedom Rings!  

In America and around the globe, 

He lives!

From the mountain top so steep,

Beneath the ocean deep,

From the earth’s core,

Through heaven’s door,

He lives!

 

In America and around the globe,

He lives! 

From shore to shore, 

Across the plains to desert’s floor,

From coast to coast,

From pillar to post,

He lives!

 

In America and around the globe,

He lives! 

From morning till night,

Through day’s rainfall and light,

Reigning beyond the sky,

Blinded from human eye, 

He lives!

 

In America and around the globe,

Let Him reign;

Shout His name!

Jesus lives! 
Because of Him, 
Freedom rings.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson  

 

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”  

Galatians 5:1 KJV

Today-Be Glad

Today is the 5^th of July, not the 4^th or the 1^st, or even the 30^th. Yet, it is a day like all the rest. It is “the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

     Rejoice and be glad- and praise God for the day. 

 

Be glad, why?

 

G od holds me in the palm of His hand.              (Rejoice in faith)

L et go and let God have control.                       (Believe in faith)

A ll is in God’s hands. He owns it all.                  (Praise in faith)

D o all to the glory of God and rejoice in it.      (React in faith)

 

Truth and July 4th

My word for today is “truth.”

 

T ruth comes from God

R est is found in Truth 

U nderstanding comes by knowing God’s Truth

T ruth in found by trusting in God

H onesty and Honor comes with Truth

I didn’t choose to post about Independence Day on this the 4^th of July, but I wish all my readers “A very happy 4th of July day” and be safe. Remember that this "July 4th is the day the Lord hath made. Be glad and rejoice in it."

"Peace I Give"

My verse for today is from John 14:27 ESV

 

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” 

 

My word for today is “peace.”

 

P ass the hours in prayer 

E mbrace God’s presence

A ct as Jesus did 

C ease fear through faith 

E rase an unforgiving heart