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Today we complete the Sermon on the Mount. This is such a powerful section of teaching coming directly out of the mouth of Jesus and shows a very clear blueprint for how we should live our lives in order to be truly Christ-like. There is nowhere in this teaching that says anything about following the law or specific rules, but it does talk a lot about our attitude and our willingness to serve and sacrifice for others. Specifically in today’s reading I love the way verses 7 and 8 paint a picture, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Jesus is the key in what He teaches us. He is the missing piece that allows us to be all that He wants us to be. It is a guarantee that Jesus will be there if we just knock. He will answer us if we ask. He will never leave us alone no matter what. When I look back at all the times I’ve felt alone it is never because He left me, it’s because I turned from Him. But every time I’ve turned to Him, He was right there waiting for me and asked me, “where have you been??“.
Daily Devotion 
all that impresses God is obedience. that’s really ALL that He wants. it’s easy. well, at least in theory! i’m challenged by this chapter a lot, “dont look for shortcuts to God. the way life- to God!- is vigorous and requires total attention…dont be impressed with charisma; look for character…what is required is serious obedience- doing what my father wills…but if you just use my words in Bible studies an dont work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. when a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards.”
i’m reminded of the saying, “obedience is better than sacrifice.” God really values the state of our character (integrity), and He’s looking to see if we actually put all of these words into practice. for example, i’m really challenging myself with this question, “when was the last time i served the poor?” ouch! “when was the last time i helped a widow?” ouch! “when was the last time i invited an alien into my home and fed him/her?” ouch ouch ouch! i need to get my butt in gear! this is just pathetic!!!
I agree with Cheryl. It’s easy to get wrapped up in a lot of things outside of being obedient to God and following Christ’s example of how to live. V 13-21 always rock me because I have to be careful to not get too busy and ignore my relationship with God. That’s all He really wants from us is heart and our focus. That will lead to obedience and works that glorify Him. I really have to guard against being too busy and not spending quality time with Him.
“When Jesus concluded his address, the crowds burst into applause. They had never heard any teaching like this. It was apparent he was living everything he was saying – quite in contrast to their religion teachers!”
Jesus wasn’t out for praise or glory. Jesus wasn’t out to make friends. But he was real. He was authentic. He did what he said. What could be more alluring?