Luke 15:11-32 - Lost Son - Jesus concludes the stories of lost things by talking about a Father's love for his children. In this story, we are challenged to think about the things that anger us. Jesus reminds us that the Father welcomes everyone who comes to Him in repentance and without demands. May each of us reflect God's love, grace, and kindness in all we do. May we all rid ourselves of any self-righteousness that allows us to think we are better than anyone else and that everyone is deserving of God's love.
1 Peter 1:1, 2 – Peter does not allow his past failures to define him. He focuses on what God has done and is doing in His life. He reminds God's people that God has selected them and has a plan for their lives. God's people need to trust and obey God because we are strangers in this world.
Matthew 5 – The Beatitudes starts with the characteristics of people who need God and desire righteousness (They mourn, hunger, are meek, and are poor in Spirit. It ends with people who possess righteousness (people of mercy, peace, and purity). These people will often face persecution for their lifestyle. It should not come as a surprise but rather as an expectation that we will face persecution as followers of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 5 – Being a peacemaker starts with ensuring you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. You then have a responsibility to help others make peace with God as an Ambassador for your Savior. As peace workers, we strive to bring about peace whenever we can.
Matthew 5 – A pure heart is a heart whose motives are pure and unmixed. It requires honesty as we evaluate our focus and our heart. The person who does that sees God at work around them and through them.
Matthew 5 – A person of mercy is more forgiving, understanding, and compassionate. Jesus demands that His followers become people of mercy because they have received mercy. He condemns an attitude that desires and longs for judgment. I pray that we act more like Christ and less like the Pharisees this week. Blessed are the merciful for they WILL be shown mercy.
Jimmy Cockburn
Matthew 5 – A meek person chooses humility over ambition & authority. Meek people are not always passive but respond with appropriate anger when needed. Meek people have confidence and trust in their God. They allow God to work out His plan in His time, in His way. The world does not squeeze them into its mold; their God molds them.
Matthew 5 – A genuinely blessed understands mourning is part of life. Blessing starts with mourning for your sin and the need for a savior. Mourning is required as a part of the Christian journey. If we are going to be like Christ genuinely, then we realize sorrow and grief are necessary for growth. Ultimately, our goal on this earth is to see others grieving and come alongside them to help them know the comfort that can only be found in God.
Matthew 5 – A truly blessed man recognizes He needs God and begs God to be a part of His life. He places his complete trust in God and depends on God completely. He desperately needs God every day. How much of your day acknowledges that you are totally dependent of God? That is test of being poor in spirit.
Matthew 5 – Jesus invites the crowd to join Him in a new way of living. The principles he teaches are contrary to the way of the world. He encourages all of us to join Him in living life as He designed it to be experienced. Be blessed and happy in your approach to life this week.
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