Day 283: Matthew 5-7

Some good notes on the Sermon on the Mount: In it, Jesus proclaimed his attitude toward the law. Position, authority, and money are not important in his kingdom-what matters is faithful obedience from the heart. The Sermon on the Mount challenged the proud and legalistic leaders of the day. It called them back to the messages of the Old Testament prophets who, like Jesus, taught that heartfelt obedience is more important than legalistic observance.

How radical it must have seemed (and still seems?) that sinning happens in our thoughts. Things like anger and lust. I think many self-righteous people just skip over this part of His teachings. "I'm not hurting others, so what is the harm...." Maybe it is just me, but I was struck recently by how incredible it is that God "hears" all my thoughts. I was praying silently, and thought...God is hearing me!!! I don't think science will ever advance to the point where we can totally mind-read, yet God knows all of this stuff! Sorry....maybe I'm the only one who is amazed by this stuff.

I am reminded again about the importance of not doing things to receive any type of "earthly acclaim". How often does this motivate me? It says that when we do, we receive NO reward from our Father in heaven.

It is interesting how certain parts of this sermon speak louder to me than others. I am sure it is because they are things that I am not winning at right now in my life. It really is a narrow gate...isn't it?