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Pure in Heart

Pure in Heart
Blessed are the pure in heart … A pure heart is one that is not only clean and undefiled but also single minded. The blessed follow God with a focus only on Him and not on self. Jesus taught the shema – “Love the Lord your God with ALL YOUR HEART and with all your soul and with all your…
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For They Will Be Shown Mercy

For They Will Be Shown Mercy
Blessed are the merciful,     for they will be shown mercy. Mercy is one of those difficult to define words. We see it used with ideas like pity and compassion. It is wrapped up in and overlapping other characteristics of God like graciousness, kindness, faithfulness and love. One author suggests we experience it in “a loving…
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Those that Hunger and Thirst

Those that Hunger and Thirst
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,     for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6 Hunger and thirst are commonly used to illustrate our drive or passion. We talk about someone’s thirst for vengeance or hunger for success or attention. We might miss the depth of this picture in our modern world because our…
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Inherit the earth

Inherit the earth
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 To the secular ear, that sounds ridiculous. It is those that wield their power that will take possession over land and nations. Part of the deep impact of the beatitudes is the seeming paradox, or irony, in their fulfillment. Inheriting the earth can mean…
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