PRINCE OF PEACE

PRINCE OF PEACE

Over 2000 years ago Jesus was born into a world filled with chaos, abuse, wars, and conflict. This season in December is when we can walk in gratitude for the One who came humbly as an infant to rescue us teaching us how to survive in peace. Foretold by Isaiah, all that the world would ever need was promised with a description. Remarkably God came in human form offering hope, salvation, and true love for all who would receive Him.

To show His adoration and concern for mankind, His cruel death and miraculous resurrection is remembered on Good Friday and Easter. He ascended to Heaven but will return through clouds of splendor to take His followers to join Him eternally. We are all invited to take advantage of His(forever) life giving gift of a personal relationship and love.

Though the uncertainty of so much faces us daily exposing abuses, wars, and conflict, our hope is in the One whom we celebrate at Christmas. Will you allow Him to show His might and strengthen, comfort you when you require it, embrace His wisdom, praise Him as creator and Father? Leaning into, reflecting on, and praying to the Prince of Peace. May this Christmas season be sweet to you and His presence precious now and through the New Year ahead.

by Joy Pedersen

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

 

Thanksgiving

 Thanksgiving

This is the time of year to celebrate gifts received by showing it in thanks- giving. We have received life, freedom, food, clothing, homes, health, work, and much more. (Thank you, God!) And we can therefore give out of what we have received – love, food, clothing, encouragement, a listening ear, etc.

We may regret choices or mourn losses gone by making it difficult to express thanks. Looking at these there are still many things that deserve appreciation. However, being thankful – like all emotions - is a choice. The promise of Romans 8:28 assures those who love God that all things work together for good – fitting into God’s good purpose for us.

Perhaps you have seen Pollyana? It is an old movie with a young girl who becomes orphaned and then adopted by her aunt. She played the glad game to adjust her attitude toward the disappointments in life. For each situation she found something for herself and others to be glad. It took effort to change her attitude and outlook  into a grateful mindset.

Reflecting on the year gone by, challenge yourself in expressing thanks as a grateful giver to God and then others.

 

Psalm 106:1 ESV Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

by Joy Pedersen

Facing Challenges

 

Facing Challenges

Throughout life, we meet all kinds of difficulties and come face to face with our limitations. They may be physical, emotional, or spiritual – even a combination of all three. We may have tried to confront them by going to a doctor or adding exercise to our regiment. We may have sought counsel and gotten insight. Or we may have prayed and read the Bible, all hoping our situation would change for the better.

As Christians change can foster faith questions and trust issues with our Lord, but the Helper (Holy Spirit) can lead us through the dark valleys. For example, we might wonder:

·        Did God hear my requests?

·        Is it my failure to take care of myself that I face this problem?

·        Does God see me and care about my situation?

·        Am I doomed to be this way for all my life?

These are just a few things that might come to mind for you. I confess, at times they have caused me angst. Today as I write, I am faced with one more challenge. Several heart attacks have weakened my heart, and doctors tell me another heart procedure is needed. It is familiar, but because of the aging process and other issues, this is more difficult to handle physically and emotionally.

Because of the miraculous way God has brought me through past struggles, He will do it again but there are uncertainties. Thankfully His Word is speaking clearly these days offering comfort, hope in Him and my future, and a deeper love and appreciation for my heavenly Father.

Praise goes to my faithful and kind Father. Delight in Him is increasing while watching Him work in the lives of others and myself. Longing for more of Him to meet my every need grows along with confidence in His knowing what is best for me. Some of the verses that especially minister to my heart include:

·        When answers are not enough, I recall Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLV): Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not trust in your own understanding.  Agree with Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight.

·        When it feels like there is more to do to change things, I remember Philippians 4:19 (ESV): And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

·        When my mind begins to focus on things I cannot control I am reminded of Jesus words in John 14:27 (NLT): I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

·        When heaviness overwhelms me Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28 & 29b draw me to my Savior and healer: Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest ^… and you will find rest for your souls.

·        When I lose sight of who is supremely sovereign of everything my mind goes to Isaiah 41:10 (AMP) – God’s words: Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].’

           Do I fail along the way? Yes, I forget at times who is in charge with ability and attention given to aid as He did Paul, Job, Moses, and Jesus – but I know who I believe and He is keeping me safe in the hollow of His hand (even when I don’t feel it).  Like Paul in Philippians 1:6 (ESV), my confidence rests in Jesus:

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you [and me] will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

by Joy Pedersen

THE BRAVE AND THE FREE

 

THE BRAVE AND THE FREE

Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.  Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:7-8 NJKV

Once again, we celebrate a day of independence here in the USA. It is a time to recognize the brave who have fought for lives and freedom available inside our borders. We pause to celebrate the lives previously or currently defending our liberties. We too recognize the defensive and offensive forces for their sacrifices and are thankful for what they have done and are doing. Battles have been fought to overcome tyranny, preserve freedoms, and defend the weak and oppressed on and off our soil - for God’s justice. The cost has been great because evil continues in this world. Yet, we have benefited by experiencing freedom of ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness’ in the face of its chaos.  For men and women who stand in love with conviction defending family, friends, and strangers alike – thank you.

Long ago the great defender, God, fought for our freedom and continues to do so. The original intention of God for this world was to bring glory (praise, honor, and thanksgiving) to himself in our relationship with Him. Then with just one bite of a forbidden fruit things changed. Small skirmishes and large wars have been part of our world since that one rejection of God’s directive and His design to keep us from sin. In exchange for that freedom God’s requirement of us has not changed.

God instructs us to love Him first with heart, soul, mind, and strength and then others (Mark 12:29-30).  As followers of Christ, in some sense we are all soldiers armed with His love. Loving God we serve others defending, providing, and caring for and about those who are in need. This 4^th of July thank God for those who deserve honor for defending you. But also consider – in the year ahead - who you will defend in love. Make your home and heart one that resonates bravery and freedom in Christ. 

by Joy Pedersen

Love and Care

 

Love and Care

For me, Mother’s Day is always a difficult subject to address. Not because I had a flawless childhood (or was flawless) but because I had a good mother. Having listened to many others’ experiences of a difficult childhood, neglect, and poor role-modeling, I know this can be a difficult and delicate topic for some whose mother was not pleasant. How I pray these mother wounds will meet care that heals.

All of us are born needing nurturant love and care - mothers and children alike. These needs go well beyond food, shelter, and clothing. They are provided for or withheld from us by friends, teachers, siblings, media, church, etc. Even the evil in this world tugs at our peace.  Putting all these influences together, healing is beyond ourselves and those we encounter in life.

So, moms and ‘good or bad’ homes cannot take all the blame or credit for our development and outcome as adults. Ultimately, we can choose to react to our past believing what we lived is who we are stuck with. Or we can choose change within by transformation through Jesus Christ and become more than we hoped (Roman 12:2).

Followers of Jesus Christ find perfect love and care in a live relationship with the True God. In Matthew 6:30 Jesus challenges us to have faith in God’s care when he says:

“And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”

Perhaps your answer has been because it is hard to believe anyone could love you fully?

Then in Philippians 4:19, we are reminded of His care when Paul wrote:

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

Hope is stirred by believing in the Lord, Jesus Christ and promises are extended to followers of Christ. Every need (not every want) He will supply by His miraculous power. When we choose to believe God according to I John 4:16: “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love'. This is an all-consuming love and care
that has no limits. Letting go of the past pain and embracing the newfound lover of the soul is so healing. This is where mother wounds are healed!

Philippians 3:13-14 (MSG) “Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.”

The only perfect caretaker is found in Christ. His resume:  

Compassionate, Advocates, Excellency referrals, Understands needs even before being told, Effective communicator through the Word of God and provides an interpreter who is the Holy Spirit, Fulfills His promises and meets all needs.

by Joy Pedersen

Here Comes Easter!

 Here Comes Easter!

            For most people in this part of the world, spring and Easter represent new life after a dormant winter. Plant life shows up as buds and blooms pop out and green grass appears proving there is life after death. It is almost like a message and reminder from God that resurrection is real. So where did Easter come from?

Centuries ago, the Jews’ hardened hearts and lack of devotion to their heavenly Father led to subservience in a foreign land. The blood of a lamb on their doorposts brought forgiveness and freedom from slavery. (Hebrews 9:22 [ESV] “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.”) Delivery was a reminder of God’s mercy and compassion. Today Passover is a solemn remembrance of that event. He provided a chance for a restored commitment to Him once again.

Easter season in the Christian community is similar to the Passover. Deliverance was provided for all of mankind through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ through His shed blood on the cross.  Jesus, the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), has given all of mankind a chance to receive forgiveness from sin by way of salvation. This act paid for our freedom around the time of Passover – our Easter. To all who choose to follow Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, there is hope and assurance of one day being resurrected even as Jesus was for eternity. 

Followers of Jesus, join the family of believers in celebrating Jesus' resurrection on this day. Once enslaved to sin and the devil’s schemes to defy God, we have been released from Satan’s bondage into the loving care of the one true God. This is indeed a day for thanksgiving and praise to the only wise God and forever King Jesus!

I Cor. 15:20-23 (NLT): Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. So, you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.

Christmas Peace

 Christmas Peace

Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]  
John 14:27 (AMP)

We are barely past Thanksgiving expressing gratitude for the many things that God has graciously provided, and now it is time for Christmas. It is time to celebrate His greatest provision. “Merry Christmas” is on our lips.

With all the adversity in the world, it may make being merry seem out of reach. Distractions abound with busyness and pressure – shopping, partying, entertaining, and decorating. Things will die down after Christmas, but over-spending, loneliness, and/or emptiness –possibly even personal tragedy, medical problems, or unexpected relocation of job or home – interfere with a need for calm - peace.

Jesus made His appearance knowing all our struggles, giving us a clearer understanding of God, showing His deep love for us, and providing a way for salvation. Foretold by Isaiah (9:2-7) of the coming Messiah, Jesus was identified as Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace.  In the ninth chapter of Isaiah some of the purpose for His coming was revealed - giving light in this dark world; defeating oppression; and lifting heavy burdens. Jesus is the One we celebrate at Christmas!

This historic and heavenly event is journaled in Luke 3. Shepherds heard the announcement from not just one but many angels. Sheepherders were invited to visit the baby - to ponder Jesus' lying in a manger. There was adoration, astonishment, awe, and peace around the manger! Their encounter caused them to spread the word of His arrival to other people.

The world needs the Prince of Peace. This Christmas season take time to close your eyes and imagine gathering around that manager where Jesus lay with Mary and Joseph. What would you say, think, feel, and experience? May you know the power of His peace now and year-round as you trust Him and claim the peace that passes all understanding.

Merry Christmas!

by Joy Pedersen

BOOK RELEASE: Loving With All Our Soul

 

Joy Pedersen's newest book release is available now! 
Loving With All Our Soul

Loving With All Our Soul

What is the soul, and what does it involve? Understanding how the soul fits into our spiritual makeup is important so we can love God with all of it. Enticements and choices made are often confusing and detrimental to maturity. It is important to look at the soul infected, influenced, inspired, and infiltrated. Are you hoping to increase your relationship with God and others? Committed time of introspection through these pages will help you examine your love life, wean out the things that hold you back, and lean into the One who loves you most.

Order through https://clearhope.org/

Brief Biography: Joy Pedersen founded Clear Hope Association in 2004 to equip and build the family of God. She has served over 25 years in ministry using the Word of God to teach, write, and counsel. As a dedicated and effective communicator, she walks alongside others encouraging a deeper, more personal, and effective relationship with Jesus Christ.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

 

Independence Day 

Just over a month ago, Memorial Day acknowledged the contributions of individuals who have fought for or are fighting to preserve 0ur freedoms here in the United States. Fourth of July is a celebration of our independence as a nation. It is a reminder of the freedoms that were established at the onset of our country.

The definition of independence, according to one dictionary, is freedom from control, influence, support, aid, or the likes of others. In some ways, it feels like we have become rather dependent on other nations – politically, industrially, economically, and socially. Freedom is defined as exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc. Listening to what is happening around us it would seem our freedom is being threatened.

To remain free as a nation requires being united as “We the People”, both for and against things that could threaten our Constitution and Bill of Rights. United means standing together, upholding truth, banning cruelty, upholding justice, and caring for one another with respect and honor.

Adolph Hitler’s reign is a classic historical example of what transpires when fear and denial yield to brutality. A united goal and effort to gain freedom from the control of one man would have changed history. National destruction and crushed lives were the results of hate, misuse of power, and self-aggrandizement.  Accomplishing the greater good for all happens when united we stand. Divided we fall is the outcome of looking out for self above all others.

We gave up a life of independence for interdependence as followers of Christ. We are dependent on him for our salvation allowing for personal freedom from sin. The Bible reminds us that we need relationships - first with God and then with people. So, we are to interact and count on one another and work together in the Body of Christ. Our declaration of rights is based on the law of love as found throughout scripture. Because of who He is, we need Him to comply with what He says is loving. Looking at His name throughout the Bible, in Hebrew and Greek, we find He supplies our needs through His character as we call upon Him. For example:

·         He is Elohim - supreme God, strong One, creator who makes all things from the universe down to the new in our lives as believers, and He and rule sovereignly. (Genesis 14:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

·         He is El Roi – the God who is all seeing, Who sees me in the good and in the bad times He is ever watching us. (Genesis 16:3; Matthew 6:3-4)

·         He is Jehovah Jireh – provider of all things whether it is a job, food, clothing, strength,  friends, or more. (Genesis 22:14; Philippians 4:19)

·         Jehovah Rapha – He is the Lord that heals from the Old Testament into the New Testament through Jesus. (Exodus 15:26; Luke 6:17-19)

God gives people to walk alongside us, and He wants us to depend on Him to guide us in those relationships. According to Ephesians 3:20-21, He is able to do much much more than we could ever ask or hope for. As we lean upon and trust in Him He faithfully helps us through all kinds of situations. And what are our freedoms?

We are free from sin and it’s guilt, legalism, and power. We have freedom to enjoy God (3 in 1), know Him, belong to Him, and own Him as our Lord and King.  We have been given freedom with others to serve, give attention to needs, and commune. And because of His love given freely to us, we can freely love others out of this gift. For believers in Christ freedom is eternal.

While focused on independence remember the freedoms you richly enjoy first as a believer in Christ and then as one who dwells in this nation.

Galatians 5:13 (AMP)

For you, my brothers, were called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through love serve and seek the best for one another.

by Joy Pedersen

Father's Day

Father’s Day is a reflection and appreciation day. When I do this, my mind recalls the hard work Dad consistently powered through until the very day that he went to Heaven. He tended farm animals and tended soil and crops. He built houses and led men in the process. He instructed his children by word and deed ethically and spiritually. He helped his neighbors in need. He provided shelter, food, and clothing for his family – at times others. He prayed daily with the family after sharing the Word of God. Though imperfect, he served the Lord faithfully in all he did. He has been gone from this world for 37 years, but I am so grateful for the impressions he left on my life, and looking forward to seeing him again in heaven.

In a world where pleasure has become a primary focus, the eternal reward is often forgotten. Rather, working faithfully and responsibly we are to recognize all our works – manual and physical - are opportunities to reflect God’s love to others and then reap an eternal reward for our service in Heaven. Colossians 3:23 (ESV) is our reminder. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

by Joy Pedersen

Memorial Day Appreciation

 

Memorial Day Appreciation

 

A great price has been paid by many for our country's freedom. So express gratitude for their service. Greater still is the price that was paid for our personal freedom through Jesus Christ. It is a freedom all mankind can share through trust and belief in Him. When this happens, we experience freedom that can never be taken away. This kind of freedom is spoken of in the book of Romans in the Bible.

Romans 6:15-18 (MSG)

What Is True Freedom?

So, since we’re out from under the old tyranny, does that mean we can live any old way we want? Since we’re free in the freedom of God, can we do anything that comes to mind? Hardly. You know well enough from your own experience that there are some acts of so-called freedom that destroy freedom. Offer yourselves to sin, for instance, and it’s your last free act. But offer yourselves to the ways of God and the freedom never quits. All your lives you’ve let sin tell you what to do. But thank God you’ve started listening to a new master, one whose commands set you free to live openly in his freedom!

by Joy Pedersen

MOTHER

 

Mother

Psalm 139:13 (AMP)

For You formed my innermost parts;
You knit me [together] in my mother’s womb.

Annually May comes around and we find Mother’s Day on the calendar. Depending on our childhood, we either want to celebrate it or hide from the occasion that is to honor our mother. We didn’t choose her and she didn’t choose us but we are bound by life to give respect for her position in our lives. 

Exodus 20:12 (ESV) reminds us to “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.” It is a command without consideration of the goodness, kindness,  or loving mannerisms of our parents. So what does it mean to honor our mother in the adult season of our life?

If we were raised in a loving environment,  admired, and shared life sweetly with them it is fairly easy to honor and respect her. If we grew up in an abusive environment this is much more difficult.

The Psalmist reminds us that we were put together in our mother’s womb by God. No matter the circumstances or persons involved, God himself formed us and put us together in her womb. It is amazing to think of His developing and organizing our innermost parts. And we were gifted purposefully to a particular mother with her imperfections and beauty altogether, This truth is beyond our understanding. And it is good only because He who created us is good. 

When we honor our parents we are in essence acknowledging the work of a good God. Psalm 145:9 (Amp) reads: “The LORD is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works [the entirety of things created].”

Honoring God and His creation of our mother [and ourselves], happens when forgiving the wrongs, praying for the Holy Spirit’s help in loving, enacting Christ’s love, and speaking kindly to and of her. So as you spend this Mother’s Day with or without your mother, may you seek ways of honoring her. Have a Happy Mother’s Day reflecting!

by Joy Pedersen

A Great Promise

 

A Great Promise

Bidding farewell to friends and family throughout life, I know some of the difficulty in letting go as they depart. Adjusting to the idea of life without them is almost unthinkable. Denial is usually my first response followed by sadness.  The assurances that they will stay in contact and/or return for a visit is often meant well but not fulfilled.

Jesus’s disciples were in a similar situation.  Jesus had prepared them with details of His death and resurrection, but now He began to prepare them for His ‘move’ back to Heaven. Leaving the gift of spiritual life for all mankind, Jesus was going away. For three years they had traveled together, ministered side by side, and been trained for their ministry roles – but His going away was unimaginable! How would they go on?

Startled by His announcement, Jesus left a promise for them and us that was designed to bring relief and hope. The communication was caring and compassionate as He readied them for this part of His and their journey. Jesus gave reason for His going – a promise! Unlike the farewell promises of mankind, however, Jesus’s was not in vain. He promised a Helper - almost a replacement of sorts - that we continue to benefit from. How?

The Helper (Holy Spirit) exposes the truth of individuals sinfulness, what righteousness is, and God’s judgement for those who do not have a love relationship with God and others. The message of salvation can be accepted and believed by the hearer when conviction is received. The Holy Spirit’s revealed truth is a weapon against the ruler of this world, Satan, who fights against truth.

How good to have a reliable promise to hold on to. In what time I am afraid, I have a Helper (Psalm 56:3). He makes us effective witnesses of Christ (Acts 1:8). He teaches us and reminds us to apply what He has said in the Bible (John 14:26). He goes with us wherever we go (I Corinthians 3:16). He strengthens us so we can mature in Christ (Romans 8:26-27). He helps become more and more like Christ (Romans 8:29).

Thank you Father, for the fulfilled promise of the Holy Spirit.

by Joy Pedersen

EASTER

 EASTER

Acts 2:29-33 (AMP)

“Brothers, I may confidently and freely say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. And so, being a prophet and knowing fully that God had sworn to him with an oath that He would seat one of his descendants on his throne, he foresaw and spoke [prophetically] of the resurrection of the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), that He was not abandoned [in death] to Hades (the realm of the dead), nor did His body undergo decay. 32 God raised this Jesus [bodily from the dead], and of that [fact] we are all witnesses. Therefore having been exalted [d]to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured out this [blessing] which you both see and hear.

Maundy Thursday

 Maundy Thursday

Holy Week is filled with many traditions commemorating events that occurred before and after Jesus crucifixion and resurrection. The one day that is often overlooked is Maundy Thursday.  This is the day that relates to the last supper attended by Jesus and His twelve disciples. After eating together, Jesus washed their feet, prepared them for His going back to Heaven, and then He gave a mandate. Maundy is a shortened form of mandatum (Latin), which means "command."  

This is the day memorializing what Jesus left as a mandate with His disciples – and us. We read this command in John 13:34 ^(ESV):

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. “

It almost seems the same as Mark 12: 31 where the second commandment to love others as much as you love yourself is given. But this edict is  an even greater  challenge. Here the standard of love is Jesus – not us. Wow! These words ring in our hearts and our minds struggle to comprehend just what we must sacrifice to love everyone around us as He did.  He loved those with unclean hearts – and feet, the betrayers, the legalistic, the demon possessed, the diseased, the impoverished, the abusers, the rich, and all classes and races of people.

And the reason for loving in this way? Jesus tells us in verse 35:

^“ By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

He could have added: just like I have, but He is too humble. So we can ask ourselves: Do I want all people to know that I am Christ Jesus’s disciple? If yes, then I will focus on His love and reenact it as I engage with those around me. May your Maundy Thursday (and every day) be committed to loving as Jesus does.

by Joy Pedersen

Deeper in the Beatitudes

Beloved, the First Commandment (Matthew 22:37-38) is a priority to God, but really it is to be our response to Him. Mathew 5:19: “Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

We may not have thought about that, but everything is prefaced by THE GREATEST LOVE He has for US!  Remember, greatness is determined by Him. “We love because He first loved us” 1 John 4:19. And the Cross is our anchor demonstrating Jesus’ love.

The Beatitudes from the Sermon on The Mount hinge on this foundational scripture. I think we can all agree that we are limited in walking out the first commandment, but The Be-Attitude’s help us understand how to do so. They define the godly character Jesus values, and the Holy Spirit helps us to grow in.

Why do we need to know The Beatitudes? The kingdom lifestyle described by Jesus at the  Mount is all about how we receive God’s blessings as He rules and reigns in our hearts as King and Lord. The Beatitutdes reveal God’s heart and when lived produce good fruit in our lives. Do you desire to know what He likes, loves, and wants? We find it, in part, in Matthew 5. We surely want to be pleasing to God, so there is great reward in pursuing the Be-Attitudes.

It is our responsibility to know, understand, and apply these scriptures. The Beatitudes lifestyle is for today and till the end of time. If you’re like me, I saw the Beatitudes on a surface level only. They confused me, and I focused on only a few in particular. Going deeper I was challenged to go further into their meaning. Let’s examine them together…

The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-11

“And seeing the multitudes, He (Jesus) went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

·         ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (This is being aware of our spiritual need of experiencing more of God’s presence and power in our heart and ministry ) 

·         Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. (This usually manifests itself in prayer but it’s recognizing the gap we feel between what God has for us and what we are experiencing.)

·         Blessed are the meek,  for they shall inherit the earth. (Meekness is power under control. It is a restraint on our spirit that causes us to be aware of our need for wisdom from others.)

·          Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled. (Hunger is key here, to have an appetite for more of Jesus' righteousness, and increase.)

·         Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy. (Treating others with a tender spirit when they fail, attack, or disappoint us.)

·          Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. (Treating others with a tender spirit when they fail, attack, or disappoint us.)

·         Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God. (Bringing peace or healing to broken relationships.)

·          Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Bearing the stigma and pressures of standing for righteousness.)

·          Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Beloved, we have gone deeper through these incredible scriptures. I hope your heart and depth of understanding have been increased, and that you are inspired to prayer. I hope that you are motivated by grace to have faith in God for today, your future, and for your part in Jesus' plans. He always carves a path for us to follow because He loves us and wants us to succeed according to Him. Jesus wants YOU to be blessed and GREAT!

Love, Lydia

Prayer

Lord, as I live my life, help me continually keep these Beatitudes in mind and spirit. Help me intentionally live them out. When I fail to do this well,  give me strength to improve as your Holy Spirit strengthens and empowers me. I confess I want this lifestyle to alter my life in such a way as to purify me and cause me to walk in holiness. I desired to be pleasing to you, Jesus, by sharing and living this out the best I am able with your help.

AMEN