Matthew

Matthew 1:22-23 “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means God with us).”

Matthew 6:19-24 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” 

A few months ago, I discovered in a painful way that my core was not that strong.  When, after a day of moving some boxes and materials as my local church, I couldn’t get off the couch because a disc in my spine herniated and pinched a nerve.  Ouch!  A surgery and months of PT later I now know the importance of core strength! 

Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled.” 

Interest rates have been at historic lows lately, so you might see a billboard advertising an amazingly low rate.  But often, if you look at the fine print, it will say “For qualified borrowers” – the rate is not available to everyone, just a select few.  That won’t shock many of us, because we quickly learn that the world works on qualifications: