Ashes. Ashes and dust. A reminder. *** By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eatuntil you return to the ground from which you were made.For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return.” Genesis 3:19 NLT *** Ashes and dust. Messy. Symbolizing the messy emotions of grief and repentance. *** I…
Category: A Faith in Process
Notes from the Journey
The Peacemakers
Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called children of God.Matthew 5:9 NIV *** In a world so torn apart by rivalry, anger, and hatred, we have the privileged vocation to be living signs of a love that can bridge all divisions and heal all wounds.Henri Nouwen *** “Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are…
The Pure in Heart
Blessed are the pure in heart,for they will see God.Matthew 5:8 NIV *** A pure heart is one that is unencumbered, unworried, uncommitted and which does not want its own way about anything but which, rather, is submerged in the loving will of God.Meister Eckhart *** “Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those…
The Merciful
Blessed are the merciful,for they will be shown mercy.Matthew 5:7 NIV *** Just having an awareness of God’s mercy and compassion for us is a great motivation for us to be merciful and compassionate to other people and to take steps toward encountering God.Jonathan Morris *** They are blessed who show mercy to others, for God…
The Hungry & Thirsty
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be filled.Matthew 5:6 NIV *** That Christ has from the beginning been intending to point His hearers to Himself as the source of all spiritual life is plain from the language He uses. The hunger and thirst that He satisfies is not physical hunger…
The Meek
Blessed are the meek,for they will inherit the earth.Matthew 5:5 NIV *** To be meek means to show willingness to submit and work under proper authority. It also shows a willingness to disregard one’s own “rights” and privileges. It is one thing for me to admit my own spiritual bankruptcy, but what if someone else does it…
The Mourners
Blessed are those who mourn,for they will be comforted.Matthew 5:4-5 NIV *** MOURNING, in addition to anguish in response to personal loss, includes broken heartedness over our failures and disobedience, sorrow over the state of the world, and deep grief over sin and its effects. Our comfort in all this sorrow is knowing that our…
Poor in Spirit
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Matthew 5:3 NIV *** Everyone can start here; it isn’t first blessed are the pure or the holy or the spiritual or the wonderful. Everyone can be poor in spirit. “Not what I have, but what I have not, is the first point of contact, between…
“Through Me”
Through me, let there be kind words, a warm smile, a caring heart. Through me, let there be a willingness to listen and a readiness to understand. Through me, let there be dependability, steadfastness, trust and loyalty. Through me, let there be compassion, forgiveness, mercy and love. Through me, let there be every quality I…
But First …
Pray. I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.This is good and pleases God…