PursuingPromise

Thank you for your continuing prayers for us this week.

June 25, 2022 “Teach me your ways, Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. With all my heart I will praise you, Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever… But you, Lord, are a God of ...

In light of yesterday’s events at the nation’s capital, I feel heavy hearted as I am remind of Jesus’s teaching in Matthew 5 on revenge, loving enemies, and loving money. Are we called to go the extra mile? Are we called to pray for those who seek to attack the foundations of our faith? Are we called to focus on the needy and turn from the greedy?
Christ make this clear as he sheds light on the OT laws...

“Do not twist justice in legal matters by favoring the poor or being partial to the rich and powerful. Always judge people fairly. Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people. Do not stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is threatened. I am the Lord. Do not nurse hatred in your heart for any of your relatives. Confront people directly so you will not be held guilty for their sin. Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
‭‭(Leviticus‬ ‭19:15-18‬)

We are called as Christians to be focused on justice and mercy. We are called to live out the character of Christ not incite violence. We are called to be perfect in character, holiness, maturity and love.

We are called to prayer... the Lord’s Prayer - hallowing His name, seeking His kingdom values, daily provision for all those in need, forgiveness of trespasses, and guidance to walk in righteousness and not give in to the temptations of the evil one - anger, arrogance, selfishness, greed, idolatry, discord, hatred, murder, lying, and cheating.

May our leaders represent and model for us the character of Christ in every way possible. May Christians unite in condemnation of those who do otherwise and lead others to follow their example rather than His. May this be a season of prayer, reflection, redemption, restoration, reconciliation and revitalization of Christ’s core teachings in His sermon on the mount.
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“Let your face smile on us, Lord. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.” (Psalms‬ ‭4:6-7‬)

God alone grants us joy, peace, and security. He sets us apart when we call to Him and seek His guidance and direction through difficult times. Jesus reminds us we are to be salt and light to those around us by being a beacon of His truth. We are of little value if we become like the world around us. We are called and commissioned to draw others into the fullness of relationship with Christ, helping them to recognize Him as their Lord and Savior.

“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬)

We are not to build monuments to ourselves or guide others to worthless idols - power, authority, fame, or wealth. Instead, we are called to be a living example of Christ’s beatitudes in Matthew 5 - loving and caring for others with compassion and mercy.
🙏🏼❤️✝️😇✝️❤️🙏🏼