The Beatitudes

The Beatitudes could be described today as Jesus’ manifesto on Christianity. They’re things we need to constantly be cycling through, ever growing in our faith. When we do that, each time through, we learn more, grow more, and become more Christ-like.

The Beatitudes

The Beatitudes – Introduction

The Beatitudes - the "blessed are" verses.  But Who are they for?  And What do they mean?  I mean, it's nice to be blessed, isn't it?  But some of these don't sound so nice.  Who wants to be poor in spirit or in mourning?  Probably not too many people.  Unless ...
happy dog

A note on happiness

Are we supposed to be happy?  To most people, the answer is probably obvious.  At least it may seem obvious.  But to others, like me, who have issues with depression - the answer is hardly obvious at all.  Being happy can feel like something for other people.  Whether happiness is ...
Blessed are the poor in spirit - from The Beatitudes

Blessed are the poor in spirit

Blessed are the poor in spirit.  Seriously?  The poor in spirit are blessed?  That sounds so backwards!  It's even more strange when it's translated as happy are the poor in spirit!  It seems like it should be blessed are the rich in spirit.  And yet, that's not what Jesus said.  ...
blessed are those who mourn

Blessed are those who mourn

Blessed are those who mourn.  Oh yeah.  That's a message we all want to hear.  Especially when it's translated as "happy are those who are unhappy".  But remember, this is Jesus.  Everything's either upside down or backwards.  After all, Jesus is the one who said, Mt 20:16 “So the last ...
Blessed are the meek - lamb

Blessed are the meek

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.  Yeah.  That sounds about right.  The meek.  The weak people.  The ones who never stand up for themselves.  They just take whatever comes their way.  Truth is, they're probably the only kind of people who would even accept this old ...
brunch - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst ...  Sounds like someone who wants to dig into the brunch picture below.  Until we add just two more words.  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.  That really changed, didn't it?  But still, it could mean "righteous" food, right?  As ...
Blessed are the merciful - feeding a tiny kitten

Blessed are the merciful

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.  Very much like the golden rule.  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  Except in this case, the one doing unto us is God.  So if we show mercy to other people, then God will show ...
Blessed are the pure in heart

Blessed are the pure in heart

Blessed are the pure in heart.  What does that even mean?  In this day and age, do we even know what the word "pure" means?  And what's meant by the word heart?  We hopefully know it's not about someone with a healthy heart pumping pure blood without infections, foreign matter, ...
Blessed are the peacemakers

Blessed are the peacemakers

Blessed are the peacemakers.  But who / what are peacemakers?  Some of you will think of a Colt handgun.  Or a strategic bomber.  Or maybe even an MX Missile.  If you're Christian, or think you're Christian, hopefully those aren't the first things that come to mind.  Why not?  Because Blessed ...
Does God punish us today, like when He didn't allow Moses to enter the Promised Land?

Will God punish us today, like when He didn’t allow Moses to enter the Promised Land?

Does God punish us today, like when He didn't allow Moses to enter the Promised Land?  That's a question that came up when we were studying one of the Beatitudes - Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.  You can maybe see how the question might ...
Blessed are those who are persecuted

Blessed are those who are persecuted

Blessed are those who are persecuted.  Huh?  Persecuted for what?  And why?  Why is it a blessing to be persecuted?  And what is the blessing that's received?  If you don't know what this is about, it probably sounds like someone's really into being dumped on.  But then, if you're a ...
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