Walk As He Walked, with Pastor Cam Stevens Cam Stevens

Giving, praying, fasting, confessing, etc… all these things Jesus teaches are things we ought to do. Yet it can be difficult to fall into a disciplined structure of consistent practice. Being spiritually disciplined as a follower of Jesus is not only beneficial to our lives, it can serve as a powerful testimony to those around us of the transforming power of God.

What does it mean to 'fast'? Is it something we are commanded by God to do? If so, how do we do it? For some it's a diet trend that keeps their body and skin healthy. Yet from God's intended meaning, it has spiritual implications that go way beyond the outer layer. Fasting is something that should and can be done in a proper way that honors God.

Prayer is one of the greatest gifts we have at our disposal. As children of God, we have direct access to come before our heavenly Father. Jesus teaches and provides us a model of how we ought to pray. While not a legalistic standard, it is imperative to remember who it is we are praying to. Our reverence for God must come first, with a willingness to yield to His will in all things.

Mothers Day serves as a day to honor the women in our lives who have nurtured, raised, taught, and loved us in fulfilling God's call on their lives. The various roles a mother fulfills can bring on a slew of emotions, all of which are natural. Yet what should motivate a mother is her unreserved love for God because of who He is.

As Jesus just clarified certain laws that had been misconstrued, He now begins to teach proper righteousness. As we live in the grace of God, we ought to practice righteousness according to His Word, not religious tradition. The first way in which we can practice right living is in the way we give to those in need. Too many "sound the alarm" to let others know how good they are by their giving. We don't need to let others know we give. We should seek to honor the Lord, not to receive the praise of those around us.

**This is part 2 of 2 from the same sermon entitled, "Unwelcome Impositions" from Matthew 5:38-48.

When others impose upon us in a way we don't appreciate, Jesus calls us in that moment to exert self-control and not retaliate. Yet He also calls us to love those who insult and take advantage of us. We are to love everyone with the same love that God shows towards us: agape/divine love. Our love, regardless of the ill treatment we are given, will display grace upon grace to those who need it. Yet, how are we to get to such a place of spiritual maturity? Jesus give us His instructions on how to be perfect. The question is, are you willing to obey?