Matthew 5

Blessed are the poor in Spirit.
Blessed are those who mourn.
Blessed are the gentle.
Blessed are those who hunger for righteousness.
Blessed are the merciful.
Blessed are the pure in heart.
Blessed are the peacemakers.
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for His namesake.

You are the salt of the earth.
You are the light of the world.
Me? I need to take this more seriously. Light meaning illuminating, joy, love, grace, forgiveness.


My take on the next "Truly I say to You"s:

Truly I say to you, every letter of every word of the Old Testament is Vital and will be fulfilled.
For I say to you, your righteousness need to surpass the scribes to enter the kingdom of heaven.
But I say to you, everyone who is angry with his brother, is guilty.
Truly I say to you, be reconciled to your brother first and then come with your offering.
But I say to you, everyone who looks after a woman with lust has committed adultery.
But I say to you, everyone who divorces his wife makes her commit adultery.
But I say to you, make no oath, let your yes be yes and your no be no.
But I say to you, turn the other cheek.
But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for them.

Today at work this came up: to pray for my persecutors. Not only did it come up in the text today and at work but in the novel I am reading. Jesus wants me to pray for my persecutors! Actually, I'm not being persecuted but everyone around me at work is. I am watching people I have worked with for years being fired or having their salaries cut by a GM that only cares about the bottom line.
So conversation at dinner tonight was how to pray and what to pray for. Maybe pray to soften her heart, or pray to give her wisdom to deal with the people above her, maybe give her courage to go to battle for us with the owner...etc. Maybe pray for her salvation. Hmmm I will do this. He has commanded me too, and He would.

I love this:
And if anyone wants to sue you, and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.
And whoever shall force you to go one mile, go with him two.
Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.