Happy 1st Sunday of 2020 Sisterhood!
Today, I was blessed by my study in Matthew. For this year, I’ve chosen the Amplified version for my morning reading and I love the emphasis and dimension it gives. I like taking a scripture and examining it through several different translations. It’s a great way to really make God’s Word come to life! Take a read from this incredible passage of Scripture found in Matthew 5:1-12, Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, also known as The Beatitudes. I’ve highlighted some of the wording; wording that both encouraged and challenged my heart. These are #2020lifegoals.
1 When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and when He was seated, His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He began to teach them, saying,
3 “Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].
4 “Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted].
5 “Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.
7 “Blessed [content, sheltered by God’s promises] are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God.
9 “Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God.
10 “Blessed [comforted by inner peace and God’s love] are those who are persecuted for doing that which is morally right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].
11 “Blessed [morally courageous and spiritually alive with life-joy in God’s goodness] are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil things against you because of [your association with] Me. 12 Be glad and exceedingly joyful, for your reward in heaven is great [absolutely inexhaustible]; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
These words penetrate deep. I pray they ignite your heart and soul, like they have mine. Take Sabbath, knowing that while Jesus sat on this mountain and taught, He knew we’d be reading His words today. I’ve attached a picture I took this past year while in Israel. It’s the view of the Sea of Galilee from the Mount of Beatitudes. Feel free to imagine yourself there. Close your eyes and feel the warmth of the sun, the coolness of the air, the beauty of the Sea, and the sound of Jesus’ voice!
