Matthew 5-7 (Yes, the whole thing!)
Upon becoming a Christ follower and JESUS Freak a decade ago, I surrounded myself with like-minded people. One such person became my mentor. It was he that put me on the road to recovery, not by using 12 steps or even the seven Scriptural principles. He prescribed Matthew chapters 5-7, also known as the Sermon on the Mount. As he related, within the confines of this teaching was everything I needed to begin (and continue) a relationship with JESUS. The thing that got me into trouble the most back then was my thinking. YAHWEH, in his infinite mercy and grace, radically changed my way of thinking just by trying to live out the first 12 verses of chapter 5.Its now my duty to pass them on to you.
Today’s devotion is purposefully short. This is because I really want you to read these three chapters today. Like eating for the physical body, chew on chapter 5 for breakfast, six for lunch, and seven for supper.
By the way, as you read, keep this in mind. When it says, “Blessed…”, don’t just think of the word as meaning “happiness.” When translated from its original language, it refers to a oneness with GOD. So rather than it reading , “Happy are the poor in spirit”, think “One with GOD are the poor in spirit.”
Application: start today allowing your mind to dwell on what you’re reading. Pick one thing JESUS mentioned and adopt it into your thinking.
Mindful Meditation: Pick one verse that hit you hardest from today. Without worrying about the time or any other distractions, focus on it. Break it down word by word. Ask GOD to help you understand what it really means and how you can apply it to your life.
