The Beatitudes is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, perhaps the most famous, most inciteful sermon ever spoken. Jesus lays out the characteristics of a person who follows Him. I have heard it said that the Beatitudes do not describe who Jesus is looking for but the kind of person He wants to make you. The word ‘blessed” does not just mean happiness. Happiness is based on circumstance. It is closer to joy, which is being content regardless, or despite circumstances. But the word blessed is more like having favor from God. It is being fully satisfied. True fulfillment can only be found through a relationship with Jesus Christ (see Romans 5:1-8) and there is nothing greater than that fulfillment. That is the true blessing that Jesus offers each one of us. Let’s take a look at each blessing from the Beatitudes the next few weeks.
Continue reading “Blessed: Poor in Spirit”Tag: humble
El Elyon, God Most High
Our God is described in many ways. He is the God most High. There are no other Gods besides Him. He is above all things and greater than anything we can imagine. He is Supreme and Ruler over all. I have found 2 different Hebrew words that mean God Most High. El Elyon, or Elyown shows the supremacy of God while El Illay shows the more personal, intimate side of the Most High God that connects God to His people, who is to be worshipped. He is big and powerful, yet He loves us and wants a relationship with us.
Continue reading “El Elyon, God Most High”A Gentle Spirit
Do you have the Fruit of the Spirit? Are you gentle? Looking at the Greek words for this, it also includes meekness and humility. This is not a weakness as some believe, but a strength. It’s easy to seek your own desires, but God wants us to put others’ needs before our own. How often do we do that?
Continue reading “A Gentle Spirit”Get out of the Boat
There is so much we can learn from the event of Jesus walking on water and Peter getting out of the boat to walk on water. A great study that we have done is called, “If You Want to Get Out of the Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat,” By John Ortberg. I have gone through it several times with different small groups and I learned so much from it. God can do great things in each of us if we are willing to step out in faith. And there is so much more in that story.
Continue reading “Get out of the Boat”Job’s Complaint and God’s Response
So far we have talked about Job’s encounter with his three “friends” and with the wise Elihu. After his debates with these people, God steps in. Job has been through a lot. It is not surprising that he would have some complaints. But as he talks with his friends, he begins to defend himself and tells them of all the accomplishments he has done and how righteous he is. He complains to God and questions God. Often times, people of faith had doubts and turn to God and ask why and ask where he was. Many of the Psalms are like that. But this is different. Job makes accusations and forgets his place. He becomes a little arrogant. In the beginning of the book, God brags about Job’s righteousness and commends him, so we know that he is a righteous, godly man. But sometimes we need a little reminder of who God is and that we are not perfect.
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