There is no "Catch" to Christianity -- Christianity is Based on Love

Today's Reading:

• Matthew 22:34 - 23:12
• Psalm 27:7 - 14

Read Bible Passages Online

Matthew 22:34 - 23:12

"'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind'.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."  ~ Jesus Christ, Matthew 22:37-40

Christianity is based on love -- Jesus came right out and said that.  It's not a hidden secret of the bible.  You don't have to search and search to find the Love.  It's there, in the open, for all to find. 

It kills me how some people think there is some sinister purpose in those who are trying to convert others to Christianity.  I was recently talking to a skeptical friend of mine about letting the bible speak to his heart.  He then said something along the lines of "plenty of books speak to you, Hitler's speeches spoke to many people's hearts."  Ouch.  I could be wrong because I have never read one of Hitler's speeches, but I'm pretty certain that the basis of his speeches weren't love, tolerance, forgiveness and simple obedience.

I could see how people might get overwhelmed with the Old Testament. There is much judgement and condemnation and long lists of required steps to atone for sins.  The Old Testament has much value for us and does have many things to teach us.  But please realize that our covenant with God is held through the New Testament and the blood of Jesus Christ. 

I haven't found a single thing yet that makes me think I'm falling victim to a cult (yes, same person, same conversation!) or that anything bizarre is being asked of me.  Yes, it can be hard to jump off and believe in this one being who created everything.  And yes, it can be hard to take the bible as God's divine word because it went through centuries of committees and translations and seemingly man-made decisions.  I really can't help you there.  All I can say is that if you believe in God Almighty then you have to believe that He had the power to completely shape the bible as He wished it to be.

Let the bible speak to your heart.  Turn off your head and let the words speak to your spirit.  Even if you are skeptical, say a little prayer before you read for understanding and for the bible to speak to you.  Trust me, if you open your heart and do that, the bible WILL speak to you.  Love.  Love is the greatest commandment of them all.  That's not really so bad, is it?

Psalm 27:7 - 14
Here David cries to the Lord to save him from his enemies.  His enemies are sneering at him, telling him to let his God save him.  David says that he has known God from the time he came from his mother's womb and that God has been there with him always. 

God has been there for each of us, always.  The question is, have we been there for God?  Have we been willing to receive Him and let Him come to our rescue?  I feel like God has always been there for me.  I can't recall a time where I haven't known Him (that doesn't mean I've always obeyed or lived righteously!). 

I believe it would be substantially harder to find your way to the Lord after you have passed your childhood.  But it's far from impossible.  Whether you've known it or not, the Lord has been there for you since you were in your mother's womb.  Yes, I'm talking to YOU.

Conclusion
Hey -- you who I was talking about back there -- you know who you are.  I love you anyway :)

P.S.
As a friend, of course.  Don't go getting any funny ideas! Muwahaha!

Parable of the Wedding Feast

Today's Reading:

• Matthew 22:1 - 33
• Psalm 27:1 - 6

Matthew 22:1 - 33

In this reading Jesus tells the Parable of the Wedding Feast.  He says that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a great wedding banquet that has been prepared but that no one who is invited will attend.  He talks of the great feast and celebration that awaits, yet no one will attend.

Not only will no one attend, but some of the king's own messengers are taken and killed.  So instead the servants go outside the palace and invite anyone who wants to come inside and many people show up.  One person who shows up is not clothed as he should be and when he refuses to answer the king, so he is bound and thrown outside to despair.

When you think of the Kingdom of Heaven in this matter it is astounding that so many people refuse to attend the celebration and feast that the Lord provided to them.  It is also remarkable that the messengers who try to tell the others of this feast are killed for doing so.

Why are there people in this world who don't want to join in the Kingdom of Heaven?  It's a truly glorious place for us to be -- an end to all our troubles and suffering, where all our needs are met and where people are truly completely happy.

Furthermore, why would people want to harm those who try to invite them to the Kingdom of Heaven?  It's a glorious place and it's waiting for us!  If you don't want to go then don't go, but don't take that out on us who are trying to share the glory with you.  We love you and we only want you to share the joy with us because there is truly enough for every single person to share.

Psalm 27:1 - 6

With faith in God we will overcome all evil thrown at us.  Trust in Him to deliver you from your enemies and to provide for you and He will always do so.  And even if we lose our earthly bodies in the fight the Lord will be there to welcome us in our new heavenly bodies.  The Lord loves us and will not abandon those who keep their faith in Him.