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02-23-2008, 07:06 AM
"Keys to the Kingdom"
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven…” — Matthew 16:19a NIV
Jesus was speaking to his twelve disciples, but I believe that he gave "the keys of the kingdom" to each of us, when he said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it. 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" (Matthew 22:37-39).
Ruth Molitar was a woman who was loved by everyone in our church. She helped cook the Meals on Wheels for many years. She helped out in the church office whenever needed. She was always willing to listen, if someone needed comfort or encouragement. Though she lost her eyesight in her later years, she was always joyful and daily praised God for her many blessings. Ruth truly had "the keys of the kingdom."
None of us can escape the troubles that life can bring, but if we are willing to accept Christ's commandments, we have the keys to open the door to "the peace that passes all understanding" (Philippians 4:7).
Henry Burton wrote a lovely poem that expresses love for your neighbor beautifully:
"Have you had a kindness shown?
Pass it on;
'Twas not given for thee alone,
Pass it on;
Let it travel down the years,
Let it wipe another's tears,
'Til in heaven the deed appears –
Pass it on."
Father, let me not become so wrapped up in my own needs that I fail to see the needs of others and reach out to them. Amen.
“Prayerful Living”
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven…” — Matthew 16:19a NIV
Jesus was speaking to his twelve disciples, but I believe that he gave "the keys of the kingdom" to each of us, when he said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it. 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" (Matthew 22:37-39).
Ruth Molitar was a woman who was loved by everyone in our church. She helped cook the Meals on Wheels for many years. She helped out in the church office whenever needed. She was always willing to listen, if someone needed comfort or encouragement. Though she lost her eyesight in her later years, she was always joyful and daily praised God for her many blessings. Ruth truly had "the keys of the kingdom."
None of us can escape the troubles that life can bring, but if we are willing to accept Christ's commandments, we have the keys to open the door to "the peace that passes all understanding" (Philippians 4:7).
Henry Burton wrote a lovely poem that expresses love for your neighbor beautifully:
"Have you had a kindness shown?
Pass it on;
'Twas not given for thee alone,
Pass it on;
Let it travel down the years,
Let it wipe another's tears,
'Til in heaven the deed appears –
Pass it on."
Father, let me not become so wrapped up in my own needs that I fail to see the needs of others and reach out to them. Amen.
“Prayerful Living”