Thanks to everyone who continues to pray for and provide for Joanne.  We are overwhelmed and amazed by your kindness.

This Sunday we come to one of many teachings of Jesus, that, truth be told, we would probably rather not hear.  Jesus takes the teaching of the Pharisees and turns it on its head.  But He does it in an arena that is up close and personal.  He challenges our actions when we’ve been wronged, when we’ve been insulted, when we’ve been offended, when we’ve been taken advantage of, when we’ve been imposed upon in some unjust manner. 

Now, we don’t like any of those things (at least, I don’t), and so, how do we usually respond?  We get back, we get even, we get revenge, we retaliate, we reject, we get justice (at least, what we think is justice).  And Jesus tells us that we’re just doing what’s expected, but He wants us to do what’s unexpected.

We’re continuing our series on the life of Christ, Walking with Jesus: A Year with the Savior.  We’re in Matthew again this week (Matthew 5:38-48) with another hard saying of Jesus.  And, as we should come to expect, there’s a lesson here that goes well beyond simply doing what’s right and wrong.  Jesus calls us to live “the unexpected Christian life,” and as always, it’s way easier said than done.  Pray that we all listen carefully this Sunday.  And since it’s the time change this Sunday, I’ll see you bright and early, Dr. Dave