Matthew Chapter 5

Matthew 5: 16-18 – Fasting 

I’ve fasted for a very long time. It started when we left the Sunday service because we didn’t have much money. I just didn’t eat throughout the day while working. Granted it wasn’t always that bad, but I’ve inadvertently partially conditioned my body for it which turns out to be a blessing! In my studies of the Bible, fasting is mentioned often. It’s a very personal decision to deny your earthly body what it uses for power and spend that time praying and talking with the Lord. I think it strengthens our connection with the Lord because you’re relying on him during that time to sustain you. It’s a moment of weakness willingly offered by you for him. 

Matthew 5:19-24

A greedy heart implodes the eyes without burst so that they narrow and hone in on any medication that will relieve the pressure. A humble heart addresses the underlying issues without medication so you’re never put in a position of escalation where the here and the now are more important than God. Is a new car or a healthy 401K causing inflation for you? It does for me a lot. I’ve gotten better at seeking the Lord first when I get good news or my instincts start pinging in a good way but I’m still working on it! 

Matthew 5:25-34

Jesus say’s “I’m just going to say it.”

Then Luke 12:22-26 could be named “The Invitation: Chapter 2”

I imagine Jesus standing back with one eye brow raised and eyes slightly annoyed with confusion but not because he doesn’t understand but because he’d hoped he was wrong. He literally said to focus on him and everything, not some or a little, but everything would be taken care of and yet people still focus on everything but him. It was more of an invitation than it was a commandment and still we do what we want to do. 

So much in life can be traced to the condition of your heart!