21 Days of Prayer
Recommended reading list…
Get Your Life Back by John Eldredge
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Soul Keeping by John Ortberg
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero
Who is This Man by John Ortberg
Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton
The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas
Abba’s Child by Brandon Manning
The Pilgrimage of the Soul by Phileena Heuertz
Words for January:
“Just Jesus”
THE GREATEST THING EVER SAID…
Great moments in history are accompanied by the speeches that accompany them…
Greatest speeches of all time…
Dreams
Fear
What does He say is most important?
Matthew 4:17
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Traveling Internationally… Different “Kingdoms” & Different “Rules”
Eating
Words
Hand signals
Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.16In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
This is not new or more rules and regulations.
This has everything to do with how we treat and interact with each other…
And those things that He was telling them I believe were the most important statements ever made. These statements, this speech, literally flipped the world upside down when it comes to how we love each other. It taught us a new way to be human. It’s why I unquestionably would label it the greatest thing ever said…
And this is what Jesus said:
Matthew 5:21-24
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
Humans are notoriously terrible at conflict.
We go to Extremes…
All my fault
All their fault
Avoid
Retaliate (Fight Back)
Directly…
Indirectly…
Or this…
Matthew 5:38-43
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 18:15
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
Romans 12:14-21
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary:
‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Ephesians 4:26-27
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
When you allow the enemy to have a foothold, what should be meant for the Kingdom, is now enemy territory.
What is ONE THING you can do to build that relationship?
Phone Call
I’m sorry
Date Night