Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law & Many Others

"When Jesus came into Peter's house, he saw Peter's mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him. When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
"He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."

Jesus is able and willing to restore us physically (our diseases) and spiritually (our infirmities). God wants to liberate us from bondage of sin and deliver us to His kingdom where there is no spiritual & physical suffering.

This made me question: Do you think most physical illnesses are correlated to spiritual illness? Am I not interpreting this passage correctly?

"Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say "Go" and they go, or "Come" and they come... when Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said. I tell you the truth, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel."

The man in this passage was a Roman office, man of high position. He went to Jesus because he believed that only one word was enough to heal his servant, he recognized Jesus's authority over all creation.

I am back home after 8 months away, enjoying time with family and some friends. It has been only 2 weeks but I can find myself desencouraged with my circumstances ...because I forget WHO is the God I am serving, he is the creator of all the Earth.

Power over defilement

Mattew 8:1-4


1. When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him.
2. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."
3. Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.
4. Then Jesus said to him, "See that you don't tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded as a testimony to them."


This short part is kind of hard to figure out what God wants me to know. What I see is the fact that the man asked God's will first like "if you are willing". Sometimes we pray but don't care what God's will is. We just ask like "please, please do it." What we want might not be what God wants. We need to ask his will first and trust he can do that if he's willing.


* I'm trying to go to early morning service everyday but it's really really hard. please pray for me that I can continue to live better christian life.

The Wise and Foolish Builders

Today's passage takes place towards the end of Jesus's preaching on the mountainside. There were two things that struck me while reading this passage.

The first thing was the wise and foolish builders. In the passage, Jesus says "24. Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like the wise man who built his house on the rock. 25. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall because it had its foundation on the rock. 26. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27. The ran came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house and it fell with a great crash."

As we all know, when people build a house or buy a house, they always check its foundation for defects and want to sure it's good and strong. The foundation is important because it is what keeps the house steady and strong.

Something that we should notice is the words "everyone who hears these words of mine." In both examples, Jesus clearly states that both kinds of people heard His words. The only difference is the wise one listens and applied Christ's words and teachings into their live, therefore strengthening their faith in Him and the wise one builds his life on a solid foundation. So when difficult times come (they are the bad weather) and no matter how badly they are beaten, they survive it because their foundation keeps them strong and steady.

However, the foolish one hears Christ's word but doesn't really listen or fully understand it. Their foundation is build upon sandy ground. There's no stability in sand because it is loose and feeble, so that means their faith is the same. Therefore the entire house can come tumbling down with one swift blow. This kind of foundation is a very dangerous one to have because once everything comes crashing down, it can be devastating and picking up and putting back together the broken pieces again can be really hard to do.

The frustrating thing about the foolish builder is, when you think about it, who in their right mind would build a house on the sand because that right there is a foolish thing to do and an big time no-no. When we hear God's voice speaking to us through His word or through His message on Sundays or Fridays and it falls on deaf ears or harden heart, we are no different than the foolish builder because we given such an amazing gift but we don't see its real value or how amazing and precious it is to us but we let it go to waste by forgetting His words and teachings to go do our own things.

I think the first part of this passage encourages us to inspect our foundations and remind us that we mustn't forget how important our foundations are our Christian faith because it is what we stand upon and what holds us steady during both good and trouble times. Now the question I ask you is: Is your foundation built upon solid rock or on sandy ground?

The second thing that caught my eye is in verse 28 and 29. It reads, "28. When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching 29. because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law."

I honestly don't get this. We all know that Christ spoke with authority because He is the Son of God/Son of Man, etc. Jesus is apart of the Holy Trinity and God gave Him authority and I get that. What I don't get is verse 29 when they compare him to the teachers of the law. Is it because Jesus is seen as a common man from a humble birth who is speaking with so much wisdom and authority when he did not have the training and education as the Pharisees and Teachers of the law did? But Jesus is seen as a rabbi and even a prophet, so what does this mean? I mean, is Matthew simply making an observation that Jesus is teaching the crowds of people a message that is different from the laws that were given to Moses by God. And this is why the book states that Jesus "taught as one who had authority and not as their teachers of the law." I'm sorry to confuse you but I'm confuse with this part of the passage.

A Tree and Its Fruit (Matthew 7:15–23)

¹⁵"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. ¹⁶By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? ¹⁷Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ¹⁹Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

²¹"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. ²²Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' ²³Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

these passages warn against "false prophets" (people who claim to be sent from God but are not) described as ferocious, ravenous wolves... and we all know of a few. late night television and certainly the internet is flooded with stories about them

then the passages speak of a most practical test: "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit."

finally, Christ will judge and only those "who did the will of my Father, will enter the kingdom of heaven!"

these passages are not about far-out, crazy, people but really speaks volumes about how deceptive my own heart can be... and bearing consequences of my bad decision, i try to console myself thinking i am doing the will of God!

thank you Jesus for showing me the truth and setting me free... help me to become a beautiful tree and bear good fruit and be allowed to enter your kingdom saying, well done faithful daughter!

Entering through the narrow gate

To be honest, I had trouble reflecting on this passage. It's short, simple and pretty straight forward. However, I don't think anything in the Bible seems is as straight forward as it seems. There always "seems" to be something more between the lines. The more I thought about it, the more ways I saw in interpreting it. But still, I began to wonder if I was trying to dive too deep in shallow waters. Perhaps these two verses is simple as it seems.

As I thought about it over and over, I kept running into some of the themes we have already discussed. First of all, reflecting on whether I have the right kind of eyes to understand and perceive the spiritual truths in this passage. Also on seeking and asking God for the wisdom to apply these truths in my interactions with the world. The theme of righteousness came to mind as well. How much harder it is to pursue the righteousness of God than to give in to the ingrained habits of sin. I think that's one way of looking at the gates Jesus described.

It reminded me of a poem by Robert Frost: "The road not taken". The last stanza ends with :

two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

In our passage, Jesus gives us a choice between two sets of gates and roads. He advises us to take the narrow one that leads to life. But why is it narrow? and why do only a few find it? Is it because, while there are many different ways to live- based on many different opinions, philosophies, and religion, Jesus is the only way- the only gate to life? And why do only a few find it? Is it because only a few choose to? are chosen to? or -

I'm not sure about that one but I do feel the need for vigilance, for spiritual eyes and wisdom to continue on the narrow road that leads to life.

Ask, Seek, Knock

Good Morning!!!!
After busy and crazy morning sending my three kids off to three different schools and dropping off "always late husband" at the train station, I am sitting down at the table in my sun-filled dining room (southern exposure) and being soaked into the Word of God. Today's reading was so encouraging and up lifting for me especially because I have been asking, seeking, and knocking with some issues in my life.
In v7-v8, we learned that Jesus emphasizes persistent prayer from us. Jesus is telling us not to stop praying and not to seek anything else but God alone because He is listening to our prayers and will answer according to His Will (1 John 14). We know that His Will is perfect and just. V9 through v11 supports the Perfect and Just God by saying that God knows more than anyone else including yourself what is best for you. We may sometimes ask God a wrong thing or ask with wrong motives because of our ignorance or sinful nature. For example, we may ask God for a stone or snack believing that that's the best thing for us. God as being a loving and kind father even then give us bread and fish. God is telling us to pray without ceasing even if you don't know whether you are praying in accordance with God's Will or not, either way God will let you know, don't you think? But if we don't come to God with our prayers at all, how will we ever find out? God wants us to come to him as a child. He wants us to come to him with a confidence that our loving heavenly father whose love is immeasurable and uncomprarble is right here with you and ready to pour out His blessing on us.
I have been praying about my rental home that I bought three years ago. Because of the down real estate market, the value of the home went down quite a bit. Even having the rental in there and collecting a monthly rent, the amount is not sufficient to cover all other expenses that go with the house. I have two rental homes. When I bought this house, I did it out of own decision. I didn't seek God because I thought I was smart enough to make a decision for all by myself. How foolish I was!! But even God turned that situation to teach me a lesson or two recently. I am so convicted and desire to live my life simple and free from the bondage of debts, materalism, and financial stress and burden so that I have more abundant and full life in Jesus Christ. I have been praying about it and seeking God's direction. I am strongly convinced that it is the Will of God to sell the house. Although everything else in the current circumstances indicate that it's not good time to sell since 30 more homes like mine on the market and I have to sell it at loss, I put my confidence in God alone. I will continue to ask, seek, and knock. I know for sure my heavenly father will answer my prayer!!!
Let’s all continue to lift up our prayers to God regardless of how insignificant matters may be. We will rejoice together by witnessing each other's prayers being answered.

Judging Others

Matthew 7:1-6

¹"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ²For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

³"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ⁴How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? ⁵You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

⁶"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

I know that I am in no position to judge others, but it comes so naturally as soon as I see someone. But when we judge, it shows that we have little faith in God. We also presume to do or think what God thinks. God is the ultimate judge, and unless we have lived sinless lives (which is impossible), we must follow God. We must continue to obey God's laws, where we are to love those as we love ourselves, and to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. As we judge others, it is clear that we place ourselves before God.

We can also judge people in a way that make them into our idols. We can give people no credit or too much credit, but all are forms of judgement.

We are called to be wise in our discernment, and this wisdom only comes from the Word. May we continue to ask for Godly wisdom rather than putting our trust in our own wisdom.

Do Not Worry

³¹So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ³²For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I know this passage all too well. It is a passage that has been recommended to me by my parents as I was growing up and various pastors in my life and some good friends who know me well. It is hilarious to me that I ended up having to blog about it. I am a planner by nature. I love order and having a schedule. I thrive best knowing what's coming next and having things go according to plan... my plan. I'm sure some of you may know that about me to some varying degree. Anyways, this passage has always been a good reminder and has given me comfort in some of my craziest moments.

I read this passage a little differently today though...not just as practical counsel on not worrying about tomorrow. What stood out for me today was that if I profess to be a Christian and set apart from the world, I need to stop being preoccupied with worrying about my own plans, goals, wants, and desires. Instead, I should be living every day focused on how to respond to the people, situations and things God has placed in my life right now and his plans for me and trust that God will provided me with all that I need as I stay focused on Him.

The Eye is the Lamp

"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.  If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" (Matthew 22-23).

Jesus makes an extraordinary statement in the above passage.  "the eye is the lamp of the body".  the "eye" here is right spiritual wisdom or understanding.  "right spiritual wisdom and understanding" gives light and understanding to the "body", the whole of your life.

"if your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light", He says.  in other words, if your spiritual understanding is good, you will be right about everything else in your life. right spiritual understanding leads to right decisions and right judgment about every aspect of your life.

"but if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness".  if you don't have a right spiritual understanding, or your spiritual understanding is flawed, "your whole body will be full of darkness". without spiritual understanding, you will not really understand anything else in life. in fact, you will be quite wrong about life in every way.

"if then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" if "the light", that which guides you in life, is actually ignorance and "darkness", then all our judgments and assessments and decisions will all be hopelessly off.  if our very conscience is darkened and depraved, it is no wonder that we fall into sin without warning, as one stumbling in the darkness.

we need to pursue and attain "right spiritual understanding", the knowledge that comes from the truth, which comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. how many of us have made terrible decisions, gone badly in our conduct, messed up relationships, made serious errors in our finances and personal lives, because we have relied on worldly advice, personal ambition, our own experiences, our own feelings or instincts or followed the pattern of someone we admired or considered successful!

it's all "darkness" in the end if it is not based on "right spiritual understanding", the "knowledge that comes from the truth".

Jesus Teaches about Fasting

"When you fast, do not look somber" as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it it will not be obvious to mean that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

I know that the obvious lesson of this passage is motives behind actions. But something else convicted convicted my heart today. I was encouraged that Jesus knows and understands our human nature: difficult in believing something unseen and waiting for reward not given immediately.

Jesus teaches to"...fast...only to your Father, who is unseen...done in secret, will reward you" in verse 18 AGAIN after teaching in verse 6, "...pray to your Father, who is unseen...done in secret, will reward you"

Jesus knows this is difficult for us. Retaining faith in God who is unseen is not easy. Anticipating reward not given til we're in heaven is not easy. But "faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see"--Hebrews 11:1. We must obediently carry out these acts of faith (praying and fasting in secret) according to what Jesus teaches.

pray with simplicity--posted by Fabiana

"And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production...Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace."

Let's ask to ourselves, who are we trying to impress when we pray or worship?? Are we really looking to God?
We don't have to show ourselves to Him, he already knows our heart....isn't it so much easier just go the way we are...with all our failures, pain..?

Kingdom life-In relation to giving

This is one of the famous words in Bible. Especially "do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing". But I want to put stress on the truth which is that people who let everyone know what they did have recieved their reward in full from the world. Doing acts of righteousness to be seen by others doesn't mean bad and still has rewards(worldly). It's just not from your Father in heaven like the first verse says.

It is really hard to win the temptation of being seen and praised by others when I do somthing good. It is. Reward in Heaven also takes too long! But christian life has no meaning if we ignore the life in Kingdom of heaven. Let's be righteous people in secret!


(So sorry for late posting)

Loving One's Enemy

Today's passage talks about not only loving your neighbor but also loving your enemies as well. This command is one of the toughest things to do because it is nearly impossible to love someone that you hate. If you think about it, hate and love are opposites and it sort of like a contradiction in itself.

But the verse that kind of got to me was verse 46 and it reads, "if you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?" I think this is an important point that Jesus makes. What good will it do when we only love those who love us? What kind of message does it sent to the world? I mean even non-Christians know how to love so when it comes to love, so what sets us, Christians, apart from the rest of the world?

I see that to love one's enemy is a great sign of Christ love and it doesn't come from us but it comes from God because if we had it our way, we probably wouldn't even bother to have any association with our enemies. We probably try to stay far away from them and why should we show love to them. Well, God's love is infinite, merciful, and unconditional. He loves those who do him wrong. Even though we are his children, we were once his enemies too but since God is love, he sent Jesus Christ, who He loved, to come and die for us, who rejected Him. This is the gospel truth. Christ came to this world to share this truth with the world, so it is our job as His followers to share the gospel to everyone we meet, enemies included.

This concept of loving your enemies makes God seem like such a contraction sometimes but He's not. This is just the nature of God. It hard to understand but when we love our enemies, it is a good opportunity to show God's love, His nature, and His character to those around us. And he never said it would be an easy thing to do but we must because this is what we are called to do.

An Eye for an Eye--posted by Helen

38"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'" 39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:38-42

Leviticus 24:20 says it more graphically...
20 fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. As he has injured the other, so he is to be injured.

...and in Deuteronomy 19:21
21 Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

Jesus started by saying: "you have heard that it was said... but I tell you...

" it is not our burden to bear (to return fracture for fracture), it is not our jackets they want (all that i have belongs to Jesus)... the old is gone and we take on the likeness of Jesus... and in Him we liberated!!!

it all belongs to Jesus, the right to vengeance, the ownership of things... i am left with freedom to love

beloved, let's exercise the right to give it up!

"...let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No', 'No'; "

As I read this passage today I realized that rather than what we say, our actions should be the source of our credibility. People have history of letting each other down. We say we'll do something but don't for one reason or another. At times we try to back up what we say with a promise, oath or a swear to build up our credibility but Jesus says "Do not swear at all;".
He makes a great point that we really don't have any rights to heaven or earth to use it as a guarantee to gain the trust of another. We don't even have not only the control but the authority over our own head to make it what we want. However, what we have control over is what we say. And, the only thing that should back up what we say should be our actions not empty oaths, promises or swears.

Divorce

As I was reading the passage, it was clearly stated that there is one condition under which God allows divorce, that is unfaithfulness. But would this reason alone justify the action? Didn't God command us to forgive others over and over again?
Moreover this passage clearly stated that once you are divorced, you have to stay unmarried. If you marry again, you commit adultery.
I've once heard there is a higher percentage of divorce rate amongst Chris tans than non Christians. People who were divorced and married again have a higher tendency to divorce again. In America and Korea, every one of four marriages end before "death do apart." I am sure every marriage has its own dysfunctions and abnormalities. After all, marriage is a union of two imperfect people. One major problem contributing to a higher divorce rate is among Christians is simply they leave God out in their marriage. When they exchange their wedding vows at the alter, people often think convent is just made between a husband and a wife. When two imperfect people make a covenant with one another, it prongs to break if their needs and wants are not met by their spouses. It is a fact of life. However, a man and a woman enter into the covenant acknowledging that it is the God with whom their convent is made and it is God who seals their marriage. It never intend to be open by us.
I have seen couples are suffering in their marriages. Nonetheless I have seen more people who are in misery after divorce. Personally I have many questions and doubts regarding the issue. I have heard many people talking about divorce can be a better option for children whose parents are constantly fighting. It can be true. What do you think about that?
Nevertheless, I am more convinced than ever that there are absolutely no broken marriages that God cannot save. God does not look at things the way we look at. We label certain people in our lives as 'beyond repair' and we don't even bother to pray for them nor have hope that they will ever be changed. If those people hairbands, we see marriage as dead end and encourage wives to find different routs.
How shame of me to think that way..... Wasn't that Jesus who healed the blind, cured the lepard, casted out demons, and even raised the dead. Who are we to judge what he can or he can't do!!! The Bible even says there is nothing that we can't through JESUS CHRIST who gives us strength. Once Jesus touches people' hearts and they are gripped by His love and grace, we will witness great miracles that God bring into people's hearts and their lives.
I encourage you to think about people in your life that are struggling and hurting because their marriage or result of divorce, please pray for them today.

Mathew 5:27-30

Matthew 5:27-30 (New International Version)

Adultery

27"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' 28But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

Jesus is very clear as to how He wants us to deal with sin, and specifically sexual sin in this passage. Although this passage seems as though it is speaking directly to men, this is definitely an issue both men and women can relate to. Often times we may have lustful thoughts of another person and I believe it doesn't always have to be sexual. You may be attracted to someone due their looks or their personality. But whatever the reason may be, it is imperative that we be able to control ourselves and stop these thoughts before they lead to action.

We must trust in our Lord that He has the strength and power to cut out sins that may be tearing us apart if we ask. We must also realize that we, too, have the will to stop.

So often we think to ourselves that it's not a problem, but we must be honest with ourselves and especially to our Lord who is most honest with us.

Murder

This passage shows just how dangerous and sharp your tongue can be. When you think of the act of murder you usually only think of the lowest of the lows, crazed and deranged people filled with anger and hatred that could murder another human being but this passage states that your words can kill one another which is something that probably most of us are guilty of. I know I am.

 ^21-22"You're familiar with the command to the ancients, 'Do not murder.' I'm telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother 'idiot!' and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell 'stupid!' at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill. 
(Version: The Message)

When you think of a murder weapon such as a gun or knife you get chills down your spine. Some people own guns in their home for protection or police officers carry them around all the time. I don't know for sure but I would assume that they would guard that gun and hide it away and put every kind of safety guard or clip on it so that it would never go off unintentionally.

Reading this passage has reminded me once again what a dangerous weapon our tongue is and that we need to guard it just as we would a gun and make sure that the safety clip is on at all times so it doesn't fire.

God's Standard of Righteousness

"for I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven" (matthew 5:17-20).

what could Jesus possibly mean by His statement that "unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, [that] you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven" (matthew 5:20)?

we try to live rightly by attending church, serving in the ministry, giving tithes and offerings, doing charitable works, doing devotions, reading the Bible, and praying regularly. isn't that enough?

the pharisees and the teachers of the law also did these things, and they did them unto perfection. but Jesus says that "your righteousness [must] EXCEED that of the Pharisees  . . . [for you] to enter God's kingdom" (matthew 5:20).

clearly Jesus is using a different standard altogether in measuring righteousness. on the day of judgment, we will all stand before Him and He will judge our "righteousness" according to these two questions:

did we love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength? and . . .

and did we love our neighbors as ourselves? 

everything we have said and done and thought and felt will be judged according to these two commandments.

we can see now how the actions of bible reading, praying, attending church, charitable works, giving, serving, all the most sincere motives and good intentions actually count for very little,

if they are not done because we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. that is God's standard of righteousness, and the only one that counts.

righteousness, then, is not about the "right outward actions", but about a right relationship with God. righteousness is about relationships in the end.

we all know this from our own lives. if you are in conflict with someone, and he or she does the "right outward action" of apology, but you know that they are not really sorry, then there really is no reconciliation, and therefore, no relationship.

sure, the "right outward actions" have been done, but they really count for nothing, because the relationship has not been restored.  no number of apologies, no number of "right outward actions" make things right. 

but if the person is genuinely sorry, then the right outward actions will naturally result. in the same way, if we are in a right relationship with God, then all the "right outward actions", like prayer and bible-reading take care of themselves.

the problem with us, like the pharisees, is that we try to fulfill our own standard of righteousness by the "right outward actions". we may be meeting our own standard of righteousness, but not God's.

how to have the right relationship with God, the "righteousness" that will surpass that of the pharisees?  well, we hear about it all the time.  righteousness is by faith in Jesus Christ.

in other words, we put our trust in Jesus's righteousness and not our own.  whatever we do will never be enough, anyway, and could never possibly satisfy the requirement of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. 

the only Person who ever loved God perfectly was Jesus Christ.  only His righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees and it is only through faith in Him that our righteousness will as well. only through His righteousness will we ever "enter the kingdom of heaven" (verse 20).