Eat The Word

Quote 1
Notes

"43 You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Matthew 5:43-48

(Source: youversion.com)

#scripture #matthew #enemies #love #command

Chat Classic Matthew & Amy moment

Amy:	I'm bummed, I just realized that neither of us ate breakfast.
Matthew:	I'm glad you're my friend.
Amy:	wait... What did you think I said?

#marriage #amy #matthew

Text Two Miles

38 You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

Matthew 5:38-42

It’s incredibly difficult to give up my rights in marriage. But this passage makes it clear I’m not just called to give up my rights, but to build up and offer much to those that demand from me, need from me, desire from me. At the forefront of those who need from me, is my wife. She needs my leadership - one mile. I am shown by Jesus that my great call is to my daily die and repent for her - this is two miles.

#Scripture #matthew #love #marriage

Text 1
Notes The Father’s Love

16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him;17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.

Matthew 3:16-17

Before Jesus started his ministry, he received the Holy Spirit, and the deep blessing of the Father’s love. As I go to work today, via Jesus, I receive the Spirit and the Father’s love. As I repent today, via Jesus, I receive the Spirit and the Father’s love. As I do anything, I need the same things Jesus’ needed, and how much more!

#father #spirit #Scripture #matthew

Text 2
Notes First Response

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: 18 A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.My first response to the reality that abortion is alive.

Matthew 2:16-18

My first response to abortion should not be anger. Anger is too often the response of the self-righteous man in me. My first response should be weeping with Rachel, weeping with the Father whose children are sinned against, and sin in response. My anger will not produce heart change in me, or in others. My sorrow may move God’s heart to response. My compassion for a tired, pregnant and afraid young woman may water the seed that someone else has planted. Only my Father can yield a crop from my heart or hers.

I am angry when I want to be the one producing fruit in others, I am compassionate when I know that I’ve never been able to produce fruit in myself - let alone others, and so I walk hand in hand with all the broken, into the Father’s heart, asking for Mercy.

I will save my anger for Satan, whose wiles wound and destroy.

#compassion #anger #fruit #scripture #matthew