Christian Commentary Encouraging Devotions

I've been on a search for the real Jesus.

I've made it to Jesus' teaching on the Beatitudes.

You can learn a lot about people by what they emphasize.

Jesus set down some kingdom principles.

"P4, M3 and T."

1) Poor in spirit, i.e. recognizing our need of Him.

2) Pure in heart... something we are incapable of doing on our own.

3) Peacemaker. Why is peace such a rare commodity in our world?

Can't have peace without the Prince of Peace.

4) Persecuted for Him. How I wish that one wasn't in the list!

5) Mourning...our own personal condition plus that of those around us and the world.

6) Meek.

7) Merciful.

8) Thirsting and hungering for righteousness. Matthew 5:1-11

That's what Jesus values.

The trick to implementing these in our lives?

No can do on our own.

Lord, send forth Your light and Your truth, let them guide me. Psalm 43:3

Now the truth is His Word (also Him Himself).

The light is the understanding He gives re: His Word (and Himself).

Which is the work of His Spirit.

"It was not by their sword that they won the land,

nor did their arm bring them victory;

it was not their own strength,

it was His right hand, His arm." Psalm 44:3

It was by His mighty power that they succeeded.

I like this part...

I do not trust my bow;

I do not count on my sword to save me.

It is God who gives us victory over our enemies. Psalm 44:6-7