Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:10). Did you ever read Foxe’s Book of Christian Martyrs? It tells the stories of men and women who suffered death—in various gruesome … Continue reading
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9). Jesus is a peacemaker. Peace between God and Man. Peace between Man and Man. Peace that passes all understanding, yet guards our hearts and minds. The … Continue reading
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God (Matthew 5:8). Your heart is not pure. You will not see God. Happy Monday. Well, aren’t we glad that there’s more to the story than that. Of course your … Continue reading
I have decided to create a bubble around myself. Hold on a moment…there, it’s done. My new bubble is a sphere approximately four-feet-seven-inches in diameter, centered on my xiphoid process. (That’s the little cartilage thingie at the bottom of your … Continue reading
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy (Matthew 5:7). I need mercy like you wouldn’t believe. Well, maybe you would. I mean, I’m not an axe murderer or anything. It’s just that I know what God requires, … Continue reading
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled (Matthew 5:6). Father, grant me the hunger that only you can satisfy, the thirst that only you can quench. Create in me an emptiness that you … Continue reading
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5). Let’s not read too much into this one, shall we? I doubt that Jesus was literally promising you the world. Really—what would you do with it if you … Continue reading
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matthew 5:4). It’s good to mourn. Oh maybe not good in the sense of, “Woohooo, my heart is breaking, I’ve lost everything I love—let’s get ice cream and cheesy puffs!” … Continue reading
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3). You’re not impressing him. You know that, don’t you? OK, so you pray, and you read the Word, and you tithe; you even visit sick … Continue reading
Note: This week, I am sharing from my devotional book Easter: Beyond the Bunny. I hope you find it valuable as you celebrate Resurrection Sunday. Resurrection Sunday He is Risen! …because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will … Continue reading