meditations for an everyday relationship with Jesus

The real Jesus

John 11:35 Jesus Wept.

With the exception of the clearing of the Temple complex of money changers, this is Jesus at His most human; and yet He is the most Godlike in His mercy and complete love for the loss of His friend Lazarus. He weeps for us as well.

He calls us from the darkness of our tombs into the bright light of a life eternal.

Don’t boast in your charity

Matthew 6:1-4 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of people, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So whenever you give to the poor, don’t sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be applauded by people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward! But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Can you imagine sounding a trumpet as you proceed down the center aisle at church to present your offering, or having a parade and fanfare as you march down the street to give money or belongings to someone in need?

This is what God says we should not do because it isn’t God who is getting the glory, it is the individual (you and me) becoming bloated with pride and getting the attention … our fifteen minutes, as AndyWarhol so aptly stated.

Our reward is in heaven. Anything else is temporary and a distraction. Make sure that your heart and treasure are in heaven.

Look up!