Bear Fruits of Repentance

The Way of a New Life

God's Justice

Luke 3:7-14 The Message

7-9 When crowds of people came out for baptism because it was the popular thing to do, John exploded: “Brood of snakes! What do you think you’re doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snakeskins is going to deflect God’s judgment? It’s your life that must change, not your skin. And don’t think you can pull rank by claiming Abraham as ‘father.’ Being a child of Abraham is neither here nor there—children of Abraham are a dime a dozen. God can make children from stones if he wants. What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? Because if it’s deadwood, it goes on the fire.”
10 The crowd asked him, “Then what are we supposed to do?

For Reflection

Christians are to be known by the fruits of their labor, not by their parentage or lineage.  The blessings of this new covenant are not a birthright.  Neither can one trust in church membership as a pathway to salvation. Nor, for that matter, can reading scripture, singing hymns, or performing acts of contrition result in the promise of the Gospel. Only one who has a change in one's heart, to act in love and kindness; giving your life to the service of others, friend or enemy with the intent of receiving nothing in return. These acts of altruism will transform you from a self-centered to a God-centered person, free to become the human being God has intended you to become.

Pray

Pray so that you will become God-centered. Pray so that you will be a humble servant of all human-kind and confederate in the establishment of the Kingdom of God here and now.

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The Powers of the Gospel

The Way of a New Life

God's Justice

Romans 1:16-17 The Message

16-17 It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else! God’s way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: “The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives.”

For Reflection

Each generation probably thought that their experiences in the times in which they lived were the most spiritually difficult. Of course, our current generations think the same thing.  What is important to remember is that no matter how difficult times seem to be, they are comparatively no more difficult.  Sure, our modern technologies have made living a life in Christ more complicated. However, the solution has not changed. Returning to the Gospel and living the life that Christ taught us to live clarifies our purpose for living just as it did over 2000 years ago.  Remember the covenant and rest in Christ Jesus.

Pray

Pray so that you are not distracted by the world as others perceive it.  Pray, so you can understand your role in this world as God has intended it.

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Count the Cost, Then Follow Me

Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy

Parable of the Great Dinner

Luke 14:25-33 The Message 

Figure the Cost

25-27 One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, “Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one’s own self!—can’t be my disciple. Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple.
28-30 “Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish.’
31-32 “Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other? And if he decides he can’t, won’t he send an emissary and work out a truce?
33 “Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple.

For Reflection

The only thing you truly own is who you think you are.  Are you willing to trade who you think you are for who you should be?  If so, you are ready to follow Christ and be committed to His way.  

Pray

Pray to strengthen your relationship with God and Christ. 

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The Gentiles Will Listen

Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy

Parableof the Great Dinner

Acts 28:23-28 The Message 

23 They agreed on a time. When the day arrived, they came back to his home with a number of their friends. Paul talked to them all day, from morning to evening, explaining everything involved in the kingdom of God, and trying to persuade them all about Jesus by pointing out what Moses and the prophets had written about him.
24-27 Some of them were persuaded by what he said, but others refused to believe a word of it. When the unbelievers got cantankerous and started bickering with each other, Paul interrupted: “I have just one more thing to say to you. The Holy Spirit sure knew what he was talking about when he addressed our ancestors through Isaiah the prophet:
Go to this people and tell them this:
“You’re going to listen with your ears,
    but you won’t hear a word;
You’re going to stare with your eyes,
    but you won’t see a thing.
These people are blockheads!
They stick their fingers in their ears
    so they won’t have to listen;
They screw their eyes shut
    so they won’t have to look,
    so they won’t have to deal with me face-to-face
    and let me heal them.”
28 “You’ve had your chance. The non-Jewish outsiders are next on the list. And believe me, they’re going to receive it with open arms!”

For Reflection

Not all will be saved from themselves.  Some will hear but not listen and see but not understand. Some will take the plunge. Others will not risk the transformation open to them.

This does not mean we who believe should demean them or shun those who reject salvation. On the contrary, we who have been transformed by the light have a responsibility to love them and by example heal them.

Pray

Pray so that you may serve in humility. Pray that you will strive to heal the afflicted, comfort the estranged, and forgive.

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My True Mother and Siblings

Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy

Parable of the Great Dinner

Mark 3:31-35 The Message

Jesus’ Mother and Brothers

31-32 Just then his mother and brothers showed up. Standing outside, they relayed a message that they wanted a word with him. He was surrounded by the crowd when he was given the message, “Your mother and brothers and sisters are outside looking for you.”
33-35 Jesus responded, “Who do you think are my mother and brothers?” Looking around, taking in everyone seated around him, he said, “Right here, right in front of you—my mother and my brothers. Obedience is thicker than blood. The person who obeys God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

For Reflection

Who is your brother? Your sister? Your mother? 

Christ did not deny His family.  Christ was talking about the intimate relationships among believers. As a follower of Christ, one is not just acquainted with God through Christ, but one is literally a part of God's household. As such, one is offered all the rights and privileges of a member of God's family.

Pray

Pray that you will understand God's intention for your life.  Pray in service to God and humankind.  Be kind, forgiving, supportive, humble, generous and seek justice for all.

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Take up the Cross and Follow

Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy

Parable of the Great Dinner

Matthew 16:24-28 The Message

24-26 Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?
27-28 “Don’t be in such a hurry to go into business for yourself. Before you know it the Son of Man will arrive with all the splendor of his Father, accompanied by an army of angels. You’ll get everything you have coming to you, a personal gift. This isn’t pie in the sky by and by. Some of you standing here are going to see it take place, see the Son of Man in kingdom glory.”

For Reflection

What is it about suffering? Jesus suffered for our sake so that we could understand how to develop a working relationship with God. Our souls have been injected with a deep desire to reconcile with God.  It is the reason we are so restless and feel a nagging need for something we can't quite get a handle on.  When we suffer, that need is more demanding. When we suffer we call on God in a very authentic way. It is only then, in the times of stress, that we invite the light of God to enter our souls. The light is transformative and we begin to understand that our purpose in life is to be like Christ. Filled with the Holy Spirit, we reject our former ways and adopt a new pattern of interaction based on love and service to each other.  We understand that God does not intend to set us on Earth and then abandon us to our egos. Instead, God shows us the way to a new life of love rest and peace. In this way, we enter the Kingdom of God and are bestowed with the Grace, Power, Joy, and the capacity to connect with each other in a spiritual way that will change the world. In his suffering, Job saw God and his glorious role in the Kingdom and he and his family were changed forever.

Pray

Pray, worship God and follow Christ. Let God's light displace the darkness of secular patterns and give you peace and the ability to see God's creation in a new and fulfilling way.

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The Wealthy and Kingdom Membership

Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy

Parable of the Great Dinner

Luke 18:18-25 The Message (MSG)

The Rich Official

18 One day one of the local officials asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to deserve eternal life?”
19-20 Jesus said, “Why are you calling me good? No one is good—only God. You know the commandments, don’t you? No illicit sex, no killing, no stealing, no lying, honor your father and mother.”
21 He said, “I’ve kept them all for as long as I can remember.”
22 When Jesus heard that, he said, “Then there’s only one thing left to do: Sell everything you own and give it away to the poor. You will have riches in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
23 This was the last thing the official expected to hear. He was very rich and became terribly sad. He was holding on tight to a lot of things and not about to let them go.
24-25 Seeing his reaction, Jesus said, “Do you have any idea how difficult it is for people who have it all to enter God’s kingdom? I’d say it’s easier to thread a camel through a needle’s eye than get a rich person into God’s kingdom.”

For Reflection

What would you do if Christ asked you to do the same?  That is precisely what Christ asks of all of us (metaphorically speaking). We must place all treasures secondary to the will of God to follow Christ and to work toward becoming equivalent in form to Christ; to love as Christ loves, and to serve each other as Christ has served us.

Pray

Pray so that you can reach your full human potential as a child of God.

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Abundant Life Today and Eternally

Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy

Entering God's Kingdom

Mark 10:28-31 The Message

28 Peter tried another angle: “We left everything and followed you.”
29-31 Jesus said, “Mark my words, no one who sacrifices house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, land—whatever—because of me and the Message will lose out. They’ll get it all back, but multiplied many times in homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land—but also in troubles. And then the bonus of eternal life! This is once again the Great Reversal: Many who are first will end up last, and the last first.”

For Reflection

Leave everything behind.  Leave your preconceptions and suppositions about how to live in the magician's bag of tricks.  Leave your selfish desires in the trash can of useless endeavors. Abandon your secular rationality lying in the gutter where they belong.  Fill your souls with the irrational love of God, Christ and the Kingdom of God.  Freedom from the bonds of conventional wisdom will lead to unexpected joy and peace.

Pray

Pray for the joy and peace which can only come from the abandonment of your corporeal life and the adoption of a spiritual life in the manner of Jesus Christ.

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By Their Fruits You Will Know

Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy

Entering God's Kingdom

Matthew 7:15-23 The Message

15-20 “Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character. Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.
21-23 “Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doingwhat my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’

For Reflection

This is the new era of deceit, lies, and deception. It pervades all of our cultures, including our religions. As you can see, Matthew, even two thousand years ago, understood the creeping perversion of the Gospel so that it satisfies selfish interests.  


So, how do you know what is true in a time when the truth is rarely spoken and you are bombarded with personal agendas on social media from people you have never met and about whom you know nothing? You pray and use the ultimate litmus test, "Does this person say things that result in loving relationships?"  If we can't get the truth, examine the outcome through the eyes of a loving God.

Pray

Pray and live your life as a child of God; a mirror of Christ.

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Stay Connected to Jesus

Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy

Entering God's Kingdom

John 15:1-15 The Message

The Vine and the Branches

15 1-3 “I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. He cuts off every branch of me that doesn’t bear grapes. And every branch that is grape-bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more. You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken.
4 “Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me.
5-8 “I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes,when you mature as my disciples.
9-10 “I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love.
11-15 “I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father.

For Reflection

Jesus calls us to be equivalent in form to himself and God. We cannot aspire to be equal in substance, but we can aspire to be comparable to Christ. "Live in me as I live in you," says Christ. This is what we may become as we mature in our faith. We are not asked to be servants of Christ. Instead, Christ asks us to be a collaborator in the building of The Kingdom. Forming a network of interdependent believers is the plan for universal salvation. 

Pray

Pray so that you will become more like Jesus each day.  Pray so that you will have the courage to forsake your desires for the desire to be complicit in the realization of the Kingdom of God.

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Jesus, Gate of Salvation

Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy

Entering God's Kingdom

John 10:1-10 The Message

He Calls His Sheep by Name

10 1-5 “Let me set this before you as plainly as I can. If a person climbs over or through the fence of a sheep pen instead of going through the gate, you know he’s up to no good—a sheep rustler! The shepherd walks right up to the gate. The gatekeeper opens the gate to him and the sheep recognize his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he gets them all out, he leads them and they follow because they are familiar with his voice. They won’t follow a stranger’s voice but will scatter because they aren’t used to the sound of it.”
6-10 Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. “I’ll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good—sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.

For Reflection

Do you want to know what God is like?   Do you want to know what God's plan for humanity is? Do you seek the wisdom to live the life God intended for you? Do you think there is more to life than that which is offered by the secular societies? If so read about Jesus. Discuss the life of Jesus. Follow in Jesus's footsteps.

Pray

Pray so that you may know Christ and become like him.

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Enter By the Narrow Gate

Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy

Entering God's Kingdom

Matthew 7:13-14 The Message (MSG)

Being and Doing

13-14 “Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.

For Reflection

The Kingdom of God is like a city hidden by its walls. The only way one can see the city is to enter into it through a narrow passage that will only accommodate one person at a time. The key to passing through this doorway is to change how one perceives the reality of God's creation as exemplified in the beatitudes.  Looking at the world through God's eyes, one will become awakened to the power of self-sacrificing love. Perceiving the world from a corporeal eye is to deny the purpose of our existence and thereby be so spiritually blind that not only will we not be able to enter the Kingdom but we will never see the door. 

Pray

Pray So that you are not blinded by your secular life.  Pray so that you can see the passage into the Kingdom.  Pray so that you can enter into the realm of God, to become free from the push of your history and rest in the source of all creation.

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Take Care of the Widows

Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy

The Widow and the Unjust Judge

Acts 6:1-6 The Message

The Word of God Prospered

6 1-4 During this time, as the disciples were increasing in numbers by leaps and bounds, hard feelings developed among the Greek-speaking believers—“Hellenists”—toward the Hebrew-speaking believers because their widows were being discriminated against in the daily food lines. So the Twelve called a meeting of the disciples. They said, “It wouldn’t be right for us to abandon our responsibilities for preaching and teaching the Word of God to help with the care of the poor. So, friends, choose seven men from among you whom everyone trusts, men full of the Holy Spirit and good sense, and we’ll assign them this task. Meanwhile, we’ll stick to our assigned tasks of prayer and speaking God’s Word.”
5-6 The congregation thought this was a great idea. They went ahead and chose—
Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit,
Philip,
Procorus,
Nicanor,
Timon,
Parmenas,
Nicolas, a convert from Antioch.
Then they presented them to the apostles. Praying, the apostles laid on hands and commissioned them for their task.

For Reflection

Two thousand years ago, widows were persona non grata. Without a husband, women were cast aside, penniless, and sometimes homeless. If the scripture seems a bit like a political action committee, it is! (Well in part.)

In today's world, we might advocate for a Government Widow's Assistance Program and ignore our Christian responsibility to act benevolently. Sharing our wealth through taxes sometimes makes us think we have satisfied God's call.  However, Christians are called to pray with personal action in addition to secular activity.

Christians are called to pray with their arms and legs.  But not all are called to the same benevolent task.  Each of us has to find his or her niche.

Pray
Pray, so that you will find your vocation in filling the spiritual desire of your heart.

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God's Justice for the Widow

Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy

The Widow and the Unjust Judge

Deuteronomy 10:17-21 The Message

14-18 Look around you: Everything you see is God’s—the heavens above and beyond, the Earth, and everything on it. But it was your ancestors who God fell in love with; he picked their children—that’s you!—out of all the other peoples. That’s where we are right now. So cut away the thick calluses from your heart and stop being so willfully hardheaded. God, your God, is the God of all gods, he’s the Master of all masters, a God immense and powerful and awesome. He doesn’t play favorites, takes no bribes, makes sure orphans and widows are treated fairly, takes loving care of foreigners by seeing that they get food and clothing.
19-21 You must treat foreigners with the same loving care—
        remember, you were once foreigners in Egypt.
    Reverently respect God, your God, serve him, hold tight to him,
        back up your promises with the authority of his name.
    He’s your praise! He’s your God!
    He did all these tremendous, these staggering things  that you saw with your own eyes.

For Reflection

Humans love possessions. We have houses, cars, TVs, and collections of all descriptions.  We have divided the Earth into political possessions, and we guard the borders.  It is little wonder, then, that we have difficulty understanding the meaning of "God owns it all!" We are merely God's stewards. There is plenty for all.  Our job is to see the God's resources are shared equitably. After all, is not God's goodness shared equally with the rich and the poor and the good people and the wicked ones?

Pray

Pray, "What's mine is yours." Pray so that you can foster a more equitable distribution of God's resources.

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Unceasing Prayer

Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy

The Widow and the Unjust Judge

1 Thessalonians 5:12-18 The Message 

The Way He Wants You to Live

12-13 And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!
13-15 Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.
16-18 Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.

For Reflection

God created you to live in the beauty of God's presence.  The key to getting along and doing your part in the Kingdom of God is to listen to the God whispers of the Holy Spirit. Look for the best in each other and pray with your heart and your feet.

Pray

Pray by letting the Holy Spirit drive your agenda.

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I Always Remember You in Prayer

Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy

The Widow and the Unjust Judge

Romans 1:7-15 The Message

2-7 The sacred writings contain preliminary reports by the prophets on God’s Son. His descent from David roots him in history; his unique identity as Son of God was shown by the Spirit when Jesus was raised from the dead, setting him apart as the Messiah, our Master. Through him we received both the generous gift of his life and the urgent task of passing it on to others who receive it by entering into obedient trust in Jesus. You are who you are through this gift and call of Jesus Christ! And I greet you now with all the generosity of God our Father and our Master Jesus, the Messiah.
8-12 I thank God through Jesus for every one of you. That’s first. People everywhere keep telling me about your lives of faith, and every time I hear them, I thank him. And God, whom I so love to worship and serve by spreading the good news of his Son—the Message!—knows that every time I think of you in my prayers, which is practically all the time, I ask him to clear the way for me to come and see you. The longer this waiting goes on, the deeper the ache. I so want to be there to deliver God’s gift in person and watch you grow stronger right before my eyes! But don’t think I’m not expecting to get something out of this, too! You have as much to give me as I do to you.

13-15 Please don’t misinterpret my failure to visit you, friends. You have no idea how many times I’ve made plans for Rome. I’ve been determined to get some personal enjoyment out of God’s work among you, as I have in so many other non-Jewish towns and communities. But something has always come up and prevented it. Everyone I meet—it matters little whether they’re mannered or rude, smart or simple—deepens my sense of interdependence and obligation. And that’s why I can’t wait to get to you in Rome, preaching this wonderful good news of God

For Reflection

Belief in God and Jesus Christ is only the first step in your salvation. Without support and action, your faith is almost empty.  Paul recognized the importance of connections.  One believer connecting with another, and then another, and another builds a network of believers who can support each other, inform each other, correct each other, comfort each other and pray with and for each other. Thus, a church evolves.  

Will God foster a single believer? Of course, but a believer will grow in grace more quickly and adopt The Way of Christ more fully if one surrounds one's self with other believers and interacts with them.

Pray

Pray that you will find a network of believers that can support, comfort and lead you into a stronger relationship with Christ and God.

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Ask, God Will Respond

Blind Guides Confuse Meaning of Oaths

Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy

The Unforgiving Servant

Matthew 23:16-22 The Message
16-22 “You’re hopeless! What arrogant stupidity! You say, ‘If someone makes a promise with his fingers crossed, that’s nothing; but if he swears with his hand on the Bible, that’s serious.’ What ignorance! Does the leather on the Bible carry more weight than the skin on your hands? And what about this piece of trivia: ‘If you shake hands on a promise, that’s nothing; but if you raise your hand that God is your witness, that’s serious’? What ridiculous hairsplitting! What difference does it make whether you shake hands or raise hands? A promise is a promise. What difference does it make if you make your promise inside or outside a house of worship? A promise is a promise. God is present, watching and holding you to account regardless.

For Reflection

Oaths are empty. Does the Bible carry some kind of magic spell that commands a person who swears an oath on a stack of Bibles to tell the truth?  NONSENSE!

The only thing you truly possess is your word.  A promise kept is the best witness to your integrity.

Pray

Pray so that your word can be trusted and you will have no need to swear an oath.

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Doing Is More Important than Speaking

Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy

The Unforgiving Servant

Matthew 23:5-12 Amplified Bible
5 They do all their deeds to be seen by men; for they make their [a]phylacteries (tefillin) wide [to make them more conspicuous] and make their [b]tassels long. 6 They love the place of distinction and honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues [those on the platform near the scrolls of the Law, facing the congregation], 7 and to be greeted [with respect] in the marketplaces and public forums, and to have people call them Rabbi. 8 But do not be called Rabbi (Teacher); for One is your Teacher, and you are all [equally] brothers.9 Do not call anyone on earth [who guides you spiritually] your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 Do not let yourselves be called leaders or teachers; for One is your Leader (Teacher), the Christ. 11 But the greatest among you will be your servant.12 Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be raised to honor.

For Reflection

Study the life of Christ and you will find God.  Let the Holy Spirit fill your soul with the wisdom of loving everyone.  Give up your self-determination and listen not to the wisdom of the crowd.  They know nothing of God's will for them.

Pray

Pray with your heart open to the Word.  Pray not for God to bring peace, but rather to help you bring peace in the names of God and Christ to all that you encounter. God has given you the power and through Christ the tools for peace-making.  Use them!

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Craving Attention while Cheating Widows

Jesus Fulfills the Law and Prophets

Visual Reminder of the Commandments

Jesus Calls for Justice and Mercy

The Unforgiving Servant

Numbers 15:37-41 The Message

37-41 God spoke to Moses: “Speak to the People of Israel. Tell them that from now on they are to make tassels on the corners of their garments and to mark each corner tassel with a blue thread. When you look at these tassels, you’ll remember and keep all the commandments of God, and not get distracted by everything you feel or see that seduces you into infidelities. The tassels will signal remembrance and observance of all my commandments, to live a holy life to God. I am your God who rescued you from the land of Egypt to be your personal God. Yes, I am God, your God.”

For Reflection

Over my lifetime in the church, I have been given many memory aids, a stone from a Christian campground, a small metal cross, a mustard seed. My latest one is a small strip of white cotton fabric.  I think we all need a visual and tactile memory prod from time to time.  Such devices are symbolic substitutes for that which they represent, and they may indeed keep you from the seductions of your secular life. What do you carry as a reminder of your faithfulness? 

Pray

Pray. Some use a rosary or walk a labyrinth. Some face a crucifix. Some kneel. Some bow their head. Some lift their eyes toward the heavens. Some repeat a set phrase over and over. Some make the sign of the cross. Others hold hands.

Pray without ceasing.  Pray so that you strengthen the reason that you pray.

Forward to a friend