What do you think about the words of Jesus? When you read from the teachings of Jesus, what do they mean to you?  Does the teaching of Jesus challenge you to live different from the world that we so often get caught up in?

The words of Jesus will challenge your life! When I take the time to actually read and think through the teachings of Jesus, I cannot argue, because while what he teaches is not always easy, it is always right.  I cannot think of one teaching of Jesus that I have ever found any valid basis to have an argument with.

The words of Jesus will change your life! When we read them and begin to live by them, then the words of Jesus will challenge and change our lives!  I need challenge and I need change, so I am going to spend some extra time this week listening to and learning from the words of Jesus.  I challenge you to do the same.

A really good place to start is with the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:1-12. Enjoy the journey, appreciate the challenge and share the growth!

There is a phrase that I hear over and over. I guess as a pastor, I can’t help but hear it.  The phrase is:  “Will you pray for me?”  How many times have you had someone to ask you to pray for them?  A more important question is what do you do when someone ask you to pray for them?  A lot of times we tell people we will pray for them and then never actually get around to doing it.  Is intention really enough?  When I ask someone to pray for me, then I want them to pray for me and as soon as possible!  And when someone ask me to pray for them, then I do my best to get to it as soon as possible.  (I know that if I don’t do it while it is fresh on my mind and heart, then I will forget it!)

This is how you move past intention and into action. When you tell someone you will pray for them – do it as soon as possible.  The sooner you do it, the sooner it will be done!  Many times when a person will ask for my prayers, I will do it right then and there – on the spot.  If I can’t do it then and there, then I will get to it as soon as possible by stepping into a corner or even as I walk along to where ever it is that I am off to next.

Remember this:  Prayer is simply communicating with God. Good communication requires talking and listening.  Will you pray for me?  Thank you – now don’t wait do it right now.  And if I can pray for you just email me or comment and let me know how.

“Lord, Have Mercy!” As a boy growing up in the south, I would hear that phrase several times a week, every week.  I think most of the people who would say “Lord, Have Mercy!” would say it, part out of frustration and part as a prayer.  The reality is that we all need some mercy.  As for me, I need more than some mercy, I need a lot of mercy and I am thankful that God supplies it!

Jesus Was All About Mercy! Jesus came to earth on a mission of mercy!  Hebrews 4:14-16 says: “Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.  Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Jesus became human and got into our skin and this is exactly what mercy is all about!

Mercy is much more than just concern for people and their needs. Mercy is about getting inside of the other person’s skin, seeing life from their perspective and being moved to do something about what you see.  Mercy is messy work!  When you see life through the eyes of another, or when you feel the sting of pain that burns another, or when you identify with the needs of another, then you begin to understand another and are prepared to show mercy to another!

We all need mercy and God has given it to us! We deserve Hell and eternal separation from God, but God in mercy does not give us what we deserve, instead He offers us His love, which provides grace, mercy and forgiveness and all that we have to do is accept these amazing gifts and our lives will change!

Since God has given these gifts to us – we should give these gifts to each other! Who do you need to show some mercy?  I encourage you to make a list, begin to try to see life from the other person’s perspective and have mercy!