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 Tuesday. Well, aren’t we glad that there’s more to the story than that. Of course 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. I’ve never run over an old lady while driving … 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, shall we? I doubt that Jesus was literally promising you the world. Really—what would you do with it if you had … 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
The words in red are calling to me. Anyone for some Sermon on the Mount? 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 … Continue reading
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law (Matthew 7:28-29). It’s like taking a lecture from the guy … Continue reading
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash (Matthew 7:27). It’s terrible when houses fall. It’s worse when lives fall. Don’t fall, Beloved. Happy Monday … Continue reading