Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 When we see someone enduring persecution for following Jesus – real persecution – we know they are among the blessed. They are citizens and heirs of the kingdom of heaven and are willing to fight for it,…
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For They Will Be Called Children Of God
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9 God is creative, powerful, loving and holy. And He is the ultimate Peacemaker, designing a way to reconcile lost and rebellious man back to Himself. As we grow in the character of godliness, peacemaking is one result. As discussed earlier, true…
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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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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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