Experiencing life in real time.

Recently our Matthew ran in the 110m hurdles in the state track meet.  To say I was a proud dad would be an understatement.  His race would be the first of the afternoon.  I got my place staked out near the finish line long before the race started. I made sure my phone had plenty of battery to video record the race.  I was ready. I don’t know who was more nervous, Matthew or me.

As the runners got set I got my phone ready. And before I knew it the gun had sounded and they were off!  I cheered and watched through my phone screen.  It was hard to see, but that’s OK I could watch it over and over again when the race was finished.  I kept my hand steady and tried to match Matthew’s movement across the finish line which seemed like a blur.  I continued to cheer and met and hugged Matthew at the end of the track after he checked in with the time keepers.

I took a few more pictures of Matthew with me and his coach and then we went to watch the video of the race.  But it wasn’t there.  I couldn't find it.  Then I realized what happened.  I couldn’t believe it. I had forgotten to press record.  I missed it.  Watching my son race with the fastest in the state and I missed it.  All because I forgot to press record.

I don’t really remember the race.  I just remember trying to hold the phone steady while I cheered.  I really missed it.  But that’s not going to happen again.  Not because next time I’ll remember to press record, but because I’m going to start putting my phone down when I’m with the kids.  I don’t need a bunch of pictures and videos I’ll never look at again.  I need to start connecting with the events in their lives when they happen in real time.

Sermon on the Mount

One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.

Matthew 5:1, 2

Today in church you will hear the Sermon on the Mount.

This one of a kind sermon, found in Matthew 5-7, is Jesus’ first and most fundamental teaching.  Whether you are a new follower, followed Jesus all your life, or still investigating Christianity, the Sermon on the Mount provides the most definitive teaching on Kingdom living anywhere.  No matter who you are and where you're at in your journey this teaching will challenge you.

Inside the Sermon on the Mount Jesus discusses our public life, private life, the Golden Rule, relationships, money, prayer, fasting and so much more.  Jesus talks about your thoughts, actions, attitudes, and ultimately about your heart. You could spend the rest of your life studying this twenty minute sermon, but it isn't about studying the teaching, it’s all about following it’s instructions.

It’s not enough to know what Jesus requires of His followers in His Kingdom, it’s about obeying the King.  The Bible says, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22)  In listening and obeying to Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount you are building your life on the Rock.