The Beatitudes

The Beatitudes are eight blessings recounted by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew.

The Eight Beatitudes of Jesus

He said:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:3-11

Find Peace In Times Of Trouble

Woman looking to the heavens to find peace in times of trouble

Things are pretty confusing right now… the world is in turmoil… and it will get worse.

Christians, let’s be strong in the Lord and the power of his might.

The opportunity to live the gospel and be a testimony of the hope we have in Christ is in front of us daily like never before.

What hope and what grace we’ve found!

We know where to look for our strength… to find peace in times of trouble.

 

Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless.

Psalm 60:11

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27 
  • Mark Saunders

Trust The Lord And Move Forward – Even If You’re Afraid

The fear of failure is a big thing for most of us.

Jesus once called Peter out the boat onto the water.  Peter leapt out and began to walk on water towards Jesus… until he saw the wind around him and was afraid… he began to sink.

Jesus reached out his hand, caught him and said, “ you of little faith, why did you doubt ?” (Matt 14:22-33)

Waves, Dawn, Ocean, Sea, Dusk, Seascape, Sun, Sunrise

Did Peter fail? Did he sink because he was afraid?

I believe that Jesus was saying this, “Peter, would I let you sink ? Did you doubt I would stretch out my hand and save you? Do you not have faith in me?”

I don’t think Peter failed. He believed, he acted, he feared, he began to sink… but he was rescued by Jesus…. that’s not a story of failure.

Seen like this, the pressure was not on Peter to “have faith and not be afraid”.

Often we’re afraid. It’s part of life… but let’s not forget that His arm is not too short to save.

So, if like Peter, the Lord is calling you, trust the Lord and move forward – even if you’re afraid.

  • Mark Saunders

We Need Wisdom To Help Us Discern

Gen 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

The world is moving fast down a road of dangerous foolishness… the truth is becoming increasingly valuable… and without the truth we become increasingly vulnerable.

It’s difficult to discern between truth and perception. Perceptions abound and are often believed more than truth.

We need wisdom to help us discern.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7

What is the truth?

Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:6

Being led by this truth will save us that believe… like an “ark of grace” that saved Noah.

  • Mark Saunders