"In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you."" (Matt 5:48, MSG)If we would ask our friends: "Do you realize that I am...
"Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding." (Matt 6:1, MSG)It's easy to become an entertainer instead of a worshipper. The difference...
"Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace." (Matt 6:6, MSG)Many can't...
"The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God." (Matt 6:7, MSG)What is God's advice about this?"Don't fall for that nonsense. This is...
"With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven...
"When you practice summer appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity (Pharisees and Saducees being experts in this and so does others as well!) But it won't make you a...
"Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or-worse!-stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you...