May 31

  • mattames
    mattames added a text contribution It's Not About Us
    The first 24 verses of Matthew 6 walk us through what we should not to do to make living a life of faith about ourselves. Several deeds and acts of worship are discussed, such as giving, praying, fasting, and storing treasures. The point made with all of these things is to them for an audience of one, God. It's not about getting praise from others, or making them feel sorry for us, but about living the life we were called to for the One we were called to live it for. Those who boast about e… Read more »

May 29

  • mattames
    mattames added a text contribution Now That We Have That Out of the Way
    Jesus walks the followers through the beatitudes at the beginning of Matthew 5. By the time He gets through them all, He has told a great deal of people they are blessed, no matter their circumstances. He's listed rich and poor states to be in, but sums all of them up by telling us to "rejoice." Not just rejoice, but "be glad." He wants us to keep our focus heavenward on the reward that awaits us. After verse 12, Jesus begins telling people what their purposes of bei… Read more »

May 26

  • mattames
    mattames added a text contribution Joseph's Obedience and Flexibility
    Several times in the beginning of Matthew, Joseph is visited by an angel of the Lord and instructed on what to do next. His life begins to go through a radical change when Mary first becomes pregnant with Jesus. Joseph is told to stay with her and marry her, and he obeys. He also names the child Jesus. Twice he is instructed to "get up" and relocate Jesus and Mary. Even when he arrives to Israel after being instructed to, he relocates to Nazareth upon seeing the dangers he had been for… Read more »