Yesterday we started a series of sermons on Jesus' Sermon on The
Mount. Using the Beatitudes as the starting point I stressed these
are the "BE" Attitudes. Realizing that the word "beatitude" is an
outdated word seldom used unless referring to this particular
passage of Scripture. Jesus wanted all who heard the sermon to
realize the fullness of life available to all who would enter into
God's Kingdom. What an amazing starting point for this wonderful
sermon. The sermon begins by Jesus sharing what God has to offer us
and the rest of the sermon deals with what we have to offer God in
the change of our living. The sermon series is therefore
entitled "Doing the Unexpected," because what Jesus shares as this
new lifestyle is different from what the world expects.
Let's start this new journey with prayer.
PRAYER: God of love and fullness of life, we thank you for this day
and all that the day may hold. We pray you hold us as we seek to be
faithful in all things. Help us to set aside any and all things
that may have caused us to sin or block the fullness of your love.
Let us know you can and will remove these if we ask. We pray in
Jesus's name. Amen.
Monday: Do you want your children to be happy or good? Anthony
Campolo, famous author and lecturer, asked that question once. He
said he was tired of hearing so many parents say, "I just want my
children to be happy." He said, "I prefer my children to be good,
happiness will follow." As you re-read the "be" attitudes from
yesterdays sermon, can you not see Jesus wants you to be good? And
being good will lead to your happiness. Of the be-attitudes which
one spoke most to your heart? Why? List those reasons in a place
where you will refer to it often.
Our attitude towards life influences our children. And sadly too many of us from time to time think that our biggest responsibility to our kids is to provide everything and every opportunity to make them happy. We hope their choices for an education or a career prepare them to be happy. As I mentioned above, some parents know better. Happiness is important, but not as important as being and doing what is right in God's eyes. Discipline towards that is important. Anthony Campolo once spoke at a family event where I also was a speaker and his whole talk was on helping us know that what is best for our kids is for us to teach them how to be good. Happiness will follow.
The Sermon on the Mount is like that. The "blessed are" phrases in the Beatitudes are invitations, not "happy bestowers" upon listeners and readers. The Lord was inviting all in to God's Kingdom. Jesus also shared what He knew God would offer us, then would come what we needed to offer God.
Reread the Beatitudes and see which one speaks most to you where you are today. Journal your thoughts in a place where it will speak to you often.
PRAYER; God of peace and joy, speak to us again through Your word. Let us know what is best for us and your children. Remind us gently of our responsibility to teach your worship and peace to them so that Christ and His love will be real in their lives. Let Jesus be real to me. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
e.v.
