:: the Simple Devotion

 Lately, I've been reading and studying the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7), and I have found a challenge. I have found the only way to really live by these principles is to encounter Jesus, and to keep encountering Him every single day. The Lord loves it when we seek Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength (Jeremiah 29:13; Luke 10:27); meaning, with every thought, every emotion, every breath, He wants us to pursue Him and His righteousness (Matt 6:33). It is the greatest commandment (Matt 22:37, 38).

 I have also been stirred by the life of St Therese of Lisieux. She was a model of the Sermon and a life of simple (but radical) devotion to Jesus. She knew Him intimately, and saw others the way He saw them. St Therese put her flesh to death every day in small things no one else even noticed. She was so preoccupied with the Person of Jesus, she despised recognition for the acts flowing from her love of Him (Song of Songs 8:7). Therese was a true Mary of Bethany: she poured herself out, made herself less so He might be more (John 3:30), she clung to the love of Christ and His promises. 

 I challenge you, as I am challenged, to put the flesh to death and learn meekness, poverty of spirit (making oneself low for the sake of Christ), mercy, and a hunger and thirst for righteousness. And above all, that we might encounter this beautiful Man that inspired such love and devotion; the Man that is coming for His Lovesick ones!

To the end, and further up and further in.
Sarah Raye