Rivers of Successful Thoughts

Multnomah Falls Oregon
Yesterday I was a bit down in spirit for no reason. I am blessed beyond measure with general good health, but my left ankle forces me to walk as if I were 85 years old.  Otherwise, with family health and an abundance of love from family and friends, I have no reason to be "blue". I decided to take about two hours and sit on my back porch here in the lovely city of North Richland Hills and read the four books that summarize Jesus' life. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. I was looking for lists that I wanted to memorize again when I am on my exercise bike. I think I will print this off and place in my wallet.

You might be interested in what surfaced in those two hours of surveying Jesus' life. He gave clear direction to His followers of what to do and what to avoid. I am going to share them over the next few posts in addition to my regular posts. I think I will call these the river of blessings from Jesus' teachings.

There are blessings of being able to weep. (Matthew 5.1-12)

"Our Father in heaven hallowed by your name...forgive our sins as we forgive those who sin against us." (Matthew 6.7-15)

"Do not judge." (Matthew 7.1)

"Treat people the way you want them to treat you." (Matthew 7.12)

"Come to me when you are weary and heavy laden.
I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.
I am gentle and humble in heart
and you will find rest for your soul." (Matthew 11.28)

Want to be fruitful in life? Do not allow Satan to get you so busy and distracted that you don't have time to meditate on the words of Jesus. Matthew 13.18-23

In the storms of life, look for Jesus for He is there seeking to help you." (Matthew 14.28-33)

Avoid these for they cause hurt and regret, not because Jesus can't forgive you.
1. Evil thoughts.
2. Fornications.
3. Thefts.
4. Murders.
5. Adulteries.
6. Coveting
7. Wickedness.
8. Deceit.
9. Sensuality.
10. Envy.
11. Slander.
12. Pride.
13. Foolishness.
 (Mark 7.21-23, Matthew 15.1-20)

Keep your mind set on God's long terms goals for you and not on the immediate suffering you are experiencing. (Matthew 16.23)

Receive forgiveness from God and pass it on generously. (Matthew 18.21)

Get busy serving others instead of waiting on people to serve you. (Matthew 20.28)

Want something badly? Pray for it. Make sure it isn't for your own selfishness.  Have faith God is generous.  Have faith in God's power.  Believe that He wants this for you. Do not doubt. Be completely honest and real with God. Ask in faith without doubting. Forgive anyone you hold anything against. Receive with joy.
(Matthew 21.21-22, Mark 11.20-26, John 15.7, 16.23,24)

Be willing to confess when you have messed up. Stop the bad behavior. Start doing the right thing and ask for God's forgiveness, receive it and move on. Do not wallow in it or overthink it. (Matthew 21.31)

The kingdom of heaven is given to broken people.  Don't worry about being broken. Everyone is broken.
(Matthew 21.43-44)

Love God 100%. Love your neighbor 100%.  Everything hangs on these two commands. (Matthew 22.36-40)

Avoid the things about religion that shut the door to God on others.
1. Wasting money given from people's hearts to God.
2. Long prayers.
3. Unnecessary travel to teach others when you are not teaching your own family.
4. Hyper focus on tithes and little concern for justice, mercy and love issues.
5. Dirty thoughts on the inside and seemingly pure on outside.
6. Saying nothing when Jesus' clear teachings are being attacked.
(Matthew 23, Luke 11)

1. Feed the hungry with humility and compassion, not judgment.
2. Give cold pop to the hot workmen helping out at your house.
3. Invite strangers (who are poor) out for lunch or dinner.
4. Give your extra coats to homeless people.
5. Visit sick friends or call them.
6. Write to people in prison or visit them.
(Matthew 25.34-40

Go and make disciples of Jesus.
He loves sinners of all kinds and wants to bless them with grace, mercy and peace regardless of what they have done.
(Matthew 28.18-20)

Larry Wishard
lwishard@msn.com