Ramblings

I really enjoyed the Matthew readings today. Its always nice to hear Jesus' words. I always like to imagine him in modern day. Sometimes I reread the scripture using "The Message" version. (You can do this by going to the top of the BibleGateway.com screen and selecting the Bible version : Enlish/ The Message, then click update.) This version uses a more modern language that makes it a little easier to understand for modern times. Its neat to imagine what it would have been like to hear Jesus speak in person. I like to imagine what He would have worn and where and how he would have spoken if he had come during my lifetime.

In todays world, many people think that just by doing the right things they are good people, who will go to heaven. But these verses really challenge people. Most people in this world live "good" lives... they love their children, they go to work, they may donate to charity. They do the "right" things... but the standards of living are of this world. When we live by the standards of Christ, its so much more! Im not sure if I'm making things clear. Im just thinking about how Jesus says, Don't just not cheat, don't even look at someone in that manner. Don't just say yes, MEAN yes. Don't just do what you have to do, want to do it, and go beyond what you have to. God is not looking at how we appear to live, like how we as humans look at our neighbor. He isn't like pearing through a window saying, Oh look! Its looks as though the Jones' are going to Church today. What good people. I think they should go to heaven. He is looking in our hearts saying, Do they love me? Are they going to church because desire to know me and worship me?

Sometimes it seems so simple, but I think most of the time we just don't get it. Sometimes we cower in a corner thinking and desiring things that we think we can hide from God. But he sees it all. Its like with kids. Mason and Aubri are always doing thing they arent suppose to do when they think I'm not looking. Now, Im NOT God, so I'm sure they get away with some things. But its always funny to me, when I standing right there. Its like they are thinking, Maybe if I just turn my back a little bit this way, they won't notice! HA! But I do notice, and so does God.

So anyway good verses.... and a good thing God forgives!

And last point... What is with Melchizedek in Genesis? Did you guys read Hebrews 7 that Mike put in his blog? I had never seen that connection before and really would like to read more about it. Definetly something I am going to ask God when I get to heaven. Could Jesus have had a relationship with Old Testament people? INTERESTING