How To Be Today
I like to read. From my readings I see how easy it is to develop opinions and perceptions. I have developed several opinions and perceptions derived from my reading. I can sometimes see how doctrines and dogmas are developed from what others have shared. It is noticeable how members of the same faith can have contrary views after so much has been written. Some believers follow, to the letter, what those standing before them teach. They believe and disbelieve what is taught them to believe and disbelieve. Some decipher what is said alongside with what is written. There is a point when one passes from death to life according to the faith God grants them, and this happens without that believer having much understanding or knowledge of all that is written. I must consider: does more knowledge equate to more salvation?
I think about how most of the men Yeshua surrounded Himself with were not very educated regarding their upbringing and their life experience. Most of the men were commoners, scratching out a living as best they knew how. Some were in business for themselves while others worked for someone else. This was purposed, perhaps to show it doesn't take a genius to see the things of God. The men who searched out Yeshua were drawn to Him for some reason. In due time, from the message Yeshua preached about the kingdom of God, more and more people of status searched Him out... some out of curiosity, others out of spite and others because they believed what was being reported about Him.
It is quite exciting to see how the Way Yeshua preached brought a unity among believers that transcended typical class barriers. Yet many organizations Today, which profess faith in Yeshua and His Way, are somehow divided. How can so many be so divided? Are they not divided by opinions of what is important to believe and what should not be believed? Are they not divided by what others have written regarding what was earlier written? Are they not divided because of what each person struggles with; namely pride? I know I have my personal pride I must contend with regarding the faith I can't always put into words. Isn't the faith something that is lived out and not so much explained with words? Didn't Yeshua 'live out' what He preached?
Very comforting is the fact that one can return to the basics of what it means to be good and read once again how to do what is right. No matter how much knowledge and information one gathers into their mind, what THE dividing factor between those who hold the message on their lips and those who hold the message in their hearts is their living example.
May my words be silenced by the life example I live out. May His Word speak eternally through me over and beyond my perception of Him and what I think is the Way. Once you know for certain you have passed from death to life... are you not to be used as His vessel in being like Christ until you cease to exist on this plain?
Now when Yeshua saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them.
He said:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
- Matthew 5:1-16
I think about how most of the men Yeshua surrounded Himself with were not very educated regarding their upbringing and their life experience. Most of the men were commoners, scratching out a living as best they knew how. Some were in business for themselves while others worked for someone else. This was purposed, perhaps to show it doesn't take a genius to see the things of God. The men who searched out Yeshua were drawn to Him for some reason. In due time, from the message Yeshua preached about the kingdom of God, more and more people of status searched Him out... some out of curiosity, others out of spite and others because they believed what was being reported about Him.
It is quite exciting to see how the Way Yeshua preached brought a unity among believers that transcended typical class barriers. Yet many organizations Today, which profess faith in Yeshua and His Way, are somehow divided. How can so many be so divided? Are they not divided by opinions of what is important to believe and what should not be believed? Are they not divided by what others have written regarding what was earlier written? Are they not divided because of what each person struggles with; namely pride? I know I have my personal pride I must contend with regarding the faith I can't always put into words. Isn't the faith something that is lived out and not so much explained with words? Didn't Yeshua 'live out' what He preached?
Very comforting is the fact that one can return to the basics of what it means to be good and read once again how to do what is right. No matter how much knowledge and information one gathers into their mind, what THE dividing factor between those who hold the message on their lips and those who hold the message in their hearts is their living example.
May my words be silenced by the life example I live out. May His Word speak eternally through me over and beyond my perception of Him and what I think is the Way. Once you know for certain you have passed from death to life... are you not to be used as His vessel in being like Christ until you cease to exist on this plain?
Now when Yeshua saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them.
He said:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
- Matthew 5:1-16
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