This post is Day 18 in a series of studies about “Remembering”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Remembering – Day 18

Very few of us offer gifts at actual altars in this Christian era, but when Jesus was teaching, Jewish traditions were well established, and everyone knew what they must do, because that was the way it had been done for many generations. But their hearts had to be right too.

Matthew 5:23-24

If you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother or sister (fellow believer) has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

The Thought

Very few of us offer gifts at actual altars in this Christian era, but when Jesus was teaching, Jewish traditions were well established, and everyone knew what they must do, because that was the way it had been done for many generations. But this challenge was suggesting that offering the gift is no good unless the heart is right with God!

When Samuel was looking for the one the Lord had chosen to be king over Israel, God said to him, not to look at outward appearances, because The Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

Our hearts must be right too!

The verses today from Jesus during His “sermon on the mount” have been forgotten or ignored by many throughout history. How many different streams of Christianity are there today, because people haven’t agreed on how other believers should express their faith? Each denomination began because somebody saw things differently, or had a “new revelation”, or disagreed with somebody about a specific spiritual matter, or thought we should keep traditions! How sad!

We must remember that Jesus is coming back for a single bride, not one with several heads! One who is full of love and forgiveness, not anger, frustration and judgement!

Action

Pray today for the different churches in your area, for good relationships and an end to any criticism and division.

Read Matthew 5 and be blessed by Jesus words noting particularly the first twelve verses saying who will be blessed, and implying who will not be blessed.

Pray for any you know who have a critical tongue, that the Lord will show them where they need to change. Pray the same thing for yourself!

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