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: humility
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”Obadiah: Speaking to Neighboring Nations
Obadiah is one of the few prophets that speak entirely to a nation other than Israel. Although God’s people often turn from Him, they are still His Chosen People. Like a loving Father, though He may discipline and rebuke His children when they do wrong, He will always protect them and will deal with those who mistreat them. This is the case with Edom, a nation that was related to the Israelites. They were descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother. As Israel was going through hard times (many were taken captive to Babylon), instead of Edom helping their relatives they gloated and often attacked and looted their homes. God does not look kindly on those who mistreat His people and they will suffer the consequences. Even though Obadiah was speaking specifically to the Edomites, it may be something to take note for other nations and peoples as well.
Continue reading “Obadiah: Speaking to Neighboring Nations”Attitude in Prayer
As we go to prayer, what is our attitude? Do we humble ourselves before God as the Bible says? Do we go off to a room and close the door or have these long drawn out prayers so that others can see what a great prayer we are? Do we acknowledge who God is or just ask him for things? When we ask, do we truly believe He can give us what we ask for and trust that He will always do what is best? Do we tell Him what a great Father He is and come to Him as Sons and Daughters? Do we come to Him with a broken heart and confess our sins and be repentive? Continue reading “Attitude in Prayer”
