Posts with the category “otm”

When Jesus saw the crowd, he went up the side of a mountain, sat down, and began to teach. His very first words?“Blessed are the poor in spirit… Blessed are those who mourn… Blessed are the meek… Bles...  Read More

Matthew 5:3-12“Blessed are the poor in spirit,    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are those who mourn,    for they will be comforted.Blessed are the meek,    for they will inherit the eart...  Read More

James 1:22-27As we conclude our study, we're reminded that blessings aren't just to be received, but lived out. James encourages us to be doers of the word, not just hearers. Looking back over the wee...  Read More

John 15:1-17 Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine and branches to illustrate our relationship with Him. This intimate connection is the source of true blessedness. Reflect on your own connection to Chris...  Read More

The prophet Isaiah speaks words of hope to a people in distress, reminding them that God is coming to save them. In what areas of your life do you need this reminder of God's faithfulness?Notice the v...  Read More

Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. This rest isn't just physical, but a deep spiritual peace that comes from being in relationship with God. What burdens are you car...  Read More

As we begin this journey through the Beatitudes, reflect on Jesus' words of blessing. Notice how He doesn't start with commands, but with affirmations of God's love and presence. In your own life, whe...  Read More

Worry and anxiety often stem from misplaced priorities. Jesus reminds us that our Heavenly Father knows our needs and cares for us deeply. What are you worried about today? How might those worries cha...  Read More

Perhaps one of Jesus' most radical teachings is the call to love our enemies. This challenges us to extend God's grace beyond our comfort zones. Who in your life is difficult to love? How might you be...  Read More

Jesus deepens our understanding of God's law, moving beyond external compliance to heart-level transformation. He shows that sin begins in our thoughts and attitudes, not just our actions. Take time t...  Read More

Christ calls us to be salt and light in the world - preserving agents of goodness and beacons of hope. How might your life flavor the world around you with God's love? In what ways can you shine His l...  Read More

Jesus begins His sermon with a series of blessings, painting a picture of the upside-down nature of God's kingdom. These blessings challenge our worldly understanding of success and happiness. Today, ...  Read More

Takeaways:Hearing is not enough; we are called to put Jesus' teachings into practice.Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount cover a wide range of life issues, from personal conduct to relationshi...  Read More

Jesus concludes His Sermon on the Mount with a powerful metaphor about building our lives on a solid foundation. What does it mean to build your life on the rock of Christ's teachings? Consider areas ...  Read More

Some reminders from Sunday's message that kicked off our school year focus "On the Mount"Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount are meant to be lived out, not just contemplated. We are called to ...  Read More

The invitation stands before us, clear and compelling. We're called to step onto the mountain with Jesus, not as passive listeners, but as active participants in a life-changing journey. It's a journe...  Read More

In the story of Lewis and Clark, the explorers were commissioned to find a waterway connecting the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. They set out with canoes, fully expecting to navigate rivers ...  Read More

The challenge Jesus presents isn't about our ability - it's about our willingness....  Read More