Tag: pure in heart
Day 2–Blessedness of Jesus’ Followers
Scripture reading for June 16: Matthew 5:2-10 “And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
The sermon on the mount is the first major recorded teaching of Jesus and it begins with a short discourse on blessedness from the King of the kingdom of heaven. As first responders, it is good to review what heart attitudes that Jesus recommends as blessed. First He commends those who are poor in spirit and those who mourn. Responders regularly encounter people who are down in their spirit and lack hope. They also help people who are in mourning over life circumstances or loss. Jesus reminds us that the kingdom of heaven is opened to these people. Comfort from heaven flows to those mourning. As responders, we are God’s hand extended to them.
Jesus stated that the meek or humble person would inherit the earth. Our attitude of humility opens us up to the world of God’s amazing grace and we can humbly receive God’s authority and identity, enabling us to rule our own souls first and then greater things. When we hunger and thirst for righteousness, God promises our satisfaction in our lowly state as He pours out forgiveness of sins and gives us His righteousness.
As responders, mercy should be our heart attitude towards those we encounter. We should act towards each person with a pure heart and a calm and peaceable demeanor. The pure in heart see God and reflect God to others. Peacemakers represent God’s heart for all mankind. Even if we are persecuted or suffer for doing good, we belong to the King and His kingdom.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for helping me to understand true blessedness by revealing these principles of Your kingdom. Make me a blessing to the mourning and poor in spirit. Use me to show mercy and make peace among those in conflict. In Christ’s blessing may I reside. Amen.
The pure pathway to blessing
Scripture reading for April 12th: Matthew 5, Psalm 73, Proverbs 11
Matthew 5:2-9 “And He opened His mouth and taught them saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. . .”
Great crowds gathered in Galilee to hear Jesus teach and preach and demonstrate the Father’s heart of love to the hurting and sinners. The ‘sermon on the mount’ is where this series of ‘blessing’ is taken from. Here Jesus gives simple truths after the manner of the wisdom of Solomon in Proverbs. The blessed life comes to those poor in spirit, knowing and admitting to need of God’s mercy. It comes to those who show mercy because they have found mercy. It comes to the humble and peacemakers in the form of a new identity and eternal inheritance. Purity of heart catches God’s attention and brings blessings and guidance and an outflow of giving that models our Father’s heart!
Psalm 73:1, 23-24 “Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.” . . .”Nevertheless, I am continually with You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.”
Prayer: Father God, You have revealed Your amazing love and heart to bless to me and my family! Your desire is that all families of the earth enjoy this blessedness that comes from faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Through Him, the Way to heaven, eternal life and inheritance is revealed. Open doors for me to share this great treasure and see others blessed and cleansed by the Water of Life in Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 11:24-25 “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
Sunday Message: Blessed are the pure in heart!
Scripture reading for Sunday January 29th: Matthew 5:1-16, Mark 7:1-8, 14-23, Isaiah 6:1-7
Salvation is more than just saying a ‘sinner’s prayer’ and joining a church. God wants to transform us inside. The Gospel message brings inner transformation and new birth. We have a new heart and new ability to see God and know Him! God loves to bless His children and bring them into a new realm of Kingdom life! Let’s gather together and enjoy His life through worship and prayer this Sunday! God wants to show Himself to each of His children! In His Love, Pastor John
Blessed! Happy! To be Envied
Scripture reading for January 5th: Matthew 5:1-30, Psalm 4, Proverbs 1:22-27
Jesus Christ was at heart a teacher. His teaching was with authority that many religious people of that day lacked because He clearly understood the word of God. (Matthew 7:28-29) His longest recorded teaching is these passages we will read the next few day in Matthew 5-7 called the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus climbed a mountainside or hillside to gather His disciples and teach them. Large crowds gathered to hear Him teach and marveled at what He taught them.
The introduction to this teaching is called the “beatitudes”. These short statements all begin with “blessed” and are a description of the kind of life that belongs to those who choose the kingdom of heaven revealed by Jesus. These verses all contain blessings and promises to those who meet the requirements for the blessings. According to the Amplified Bible, the term “blessed” includes in the meaning happiness and a joy and blessing that is to be envied. To be blessed is to have God’s favor and smile of pleasure. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-27 comes to mind as God’s instruction to Aaron the High Priest for blessing the Israelites. God is the great King of the Kingdom and the King’s smile is a sign of His pleasure and acceptance.
Various attributes and attitudes are considered to be blessed. If you are poor in spirit, meek, or pure in heart God’s blessing is yours. If you are hungry and thirsty for righteousness or actively a peacemaker, God is smiling on you. If you are suffering persecution because of your righteousness, that also merits God’s blessing and favor. Great reward will come to each of these who exhibit these attributes and attitudes. These people will be the salt of the earth and light of the world! (Matthew 5:11-16) They must be careful to keep their salty status and let their lights shine to bring praise to God the Father in heaven!
True blessedness and joy comes from being what God created you to be. These attributes are formed in those who humbly follow Jesus and ask to be filled with His Spirit. Jesus perfectly exhibited these attributes and will form them in us as we submit to His word! Let your light shine and flavor the world with real saltiness! All glory goes to God!