Devotions Archive Archive: 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 Search Archive Print This Article The long view Thursday, December 1, 2005 Matthew 7:24-25 Jesus says, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." Thus Jesus concludes his famous sermon on the mount. He likens the fruit of our lives to the fruit of trees - do we want good fruit or bad fruit? And terms of the analogy above, do we want to lose our home in the first big wind that hits us, or build on solid ground to ensure a home stable in the storms of life? He pulls no punches; the way to live life well is to put the words of Jesus into practice. Here are a few of those words: In everything, do to others what you'd have them do to you. Ask, and it will be given to you. Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink. No one can serve two masters, both God and money. When you pray, and when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Do not make vows; simply let your "yes" be "yes" and your "no" be "no." Anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. Anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will be any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Thank you, Lord, for your clear instructions, your good words. "; Add      Edit    Delete