We have a Savior, Jesus Christ, who promises to be with us every step of our lives. He didn’t leave us to flounder but showed us how to love God, others and ourselves. He taught us the heart of the Father by showing and teaching a very different way to live. The way is so different that it is a light on a lamp stand. The way Jesus teaches us to live feels a lot like swimming upstream, but He said that if we will move into the stream of Living Water He will carry us through. It will give peace and freedom. Will it be easy? Not necessarily, but it will provide dignity and self-respect and bring honor to our Heavenly Father. As the Holy Spirit as our Helper, changes will begin to happen little by little. Progress, not perfection, is the gentle movement of change.
Please accept our invitation to begin a journey through the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, 6 & 7 of the Bible. It is our hope that you will thoughtfully explore this powerful sermon with us one verse at a time. We encourage you to slow down, take time to reflect. Don’t worry about getting it “right.” Just take it in. Imagine that Jesus is speaking just to you. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you sense? How does this relate to your life?
When Jesus first began preaching He said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Mt. 4:17) The Message Bible says, “Change your life, God’s kingdom is here.” In other words, Jesus is saying, “Look at Me. Follow Me. I am your Shepherd and I will lead you to naturally be a doer of God’s will on earth just as it is being done in heaven.”
Here is what to expect in these devotions…
Opening Prayer. Take a moment to quiet yourself and open yourself up to God.
A Word from Jesus. Read the verse several times and then the words this writer heard from the Lord as she sat with this verse. Something may resonate with you or you may experience something entirely different. The devotion is meant to inspire you to listen.
Refocus Today. You will be asked some questions. Take time to hear from Jesus and write your thoughts in a prayer journal or just talk to Jesus.
Closing Prayer. You can pray this prayer or one you choose. Talk to God. He is listening.
It is our hope that you will encounter Jesus as well as be challenged. You are on our minds, in our hearts and included our prayers.
Chaplains Betsy Buhler and Janet Wilhelm
reFocus today Ministry
