October 2

Mark 3:7-19; Luke 6:12-16; Matthew 5:1-12; Luke 6:17-26; Matthew 5:13-48; Luke 6:27-36; Matthew 6:1-4

We often throw around the phrase, I'm blessed. Sometimes this is used as a recognition of God's grace in our lives, but often we are only talking about material blessings. Jesus' definition of those who are "blessed" in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is potentially very different than how we use the statement.

We are told that the blessed are the poor in spirit, mourners, the meek, the hungry, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and the persecuted. When we choose to be humble/poor in spirit, we are in a place to allow God to lead and guide us. When we are mourning, we recognize this world cannot satisfy our deepest longings. We need to look to God for satisfaction. When we are meek, we are allowing God to empower and control us. These attitudes not only leave us open to God's work in our lives now but keep us forward looking to the end of all things. We are looking to God's kingdom and our ultimate inheritance. It does us no good to gain the whole world and yet forfeit our souls; instead, we should be allowing God to shape our souls now in a way that prepares us for eternity. So let us say we are blessed because we know Christ rather than simply have an abundance of possessions.

Father God, help me to live for your glory and eternal purposes rather than my own ambitions. Amen. 

Which one of the beatitudes do you need to ask God to cultivate in your life this week?

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