Today is Tuesday, September 4th, 2007; Karen's Korner #1142

Our sermon on Sunday had the Bible reference of Matthew, chapter 5. In my Life Application Living Bible there was a chart titled "Six Ways (topics) to Think Like Christ":.
 
** Murder (verses 21, 22); It's not enough to avoid killing. We must also avoid anger and hatred.
 
** Sacrifices (verses 23-26);  It's not enough to offer sacrifices regularly. We must also have right relationships with God and others.
 
** Adultery (verses 27-30); It's not enough to avoid adultery. We must also keep our hearts from lusting and be faithful.    
                                                                                             
** Divorce (verses 31, 32); It's not enough to be legally married. We must also live out our marriage commitments.
 
** Vows (verses 33-37);   It's not enough to make a vow . We must also avoid casual and irresponsible commitments to God.
 
** Revenge (verses 38-46); It's not enough to seek justice for ourselves. We must also show mercy and love to others.
                                             
'We are, more often than not, guilty of avoiding the extreme sins while regularly committing the types of sins with which Jesus was the most concerned. In this six examples, our real struggle with sin is exposed. Jesus pointed out what kind of lives would be required of his followers. Are we living as Jesus taught?'
 
***
And more often than not, I have learned that if God gives us a list 'to do' or 'not to do', He also gives us His strength, power, and love to do the listing! He knows that we can't but He can. It gives each individual very little to brag about!
 
Dear Father in Heaven, thank You that You have things which You would like for each of us to add to our 'to do' list. But thank You that it is through Your strength, power, might, and grace that You give us the ability to do it. Help us, because on our own we are pretty helpless and hopeless. Thank You, Father God. Amen.

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