Have you ever been reading the Bible or listening to a sermon and thought to yourself, “Man, I really don’t agree with that! God thinks in weird ways. God has different values than I have.” (Realistically, have you and I ever been so honest as to admit we disagree with God? Most of the time, don’t we slide over it, put it out of our minds, place the blame for any disagreement on someone other than ourselves? Or, if we think we’ve NEVER disagreed with God, what does that say about us and our ego and our ability to pay attention to contrary things?)

What do you do whenever you’re honest? Place the matter on a ‘back burner’ and tell yourself you’ll get back to the issue someday? You’re a basically good person. So any conflict must not be that important?

What if we just spent twenty minutes Sunday and really looked at that? In a major sermon [Luke 6:20-31], Jesus states some very counter-intuitive beatitudes (blessings). In contrast, what does the world say? (Fill in the blanks.) Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor.” The world says, “Blessed are ________.” Jesus: How terrible for you when all speak well of you.” The world: “How terrible when ______.” Jesus: “Love your enemies.” The world: “_______ your enemies.”

Also, in 2nd Corinthians 9:6-11, Paul says “God will make us rich in every way so that we will be generous in every way.” What does the world say?

What do YOU say? How do you live your life? What proof do we show that we think Jesus is Lord… as opposed to everyone else being in charge?

As always, I would really love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here.