Matthew 5: 1-12

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. He said:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad,because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. - Matthew 5: 1-12

Dear Jesus,

What you taught on that mountain is counter intuitive to how we are hard wired. In our fallen state we are hardwired to believe a "A match don't burn twice." and "Look out for number one." and "If it feels good do it." and "You gotta believe in yourself." But you say, "be humble. poor in spirit, a peacemaker, merciful, pure in heart, hungry for righteousness, happy to be persecuted for doing the right thing." That's not my default document. That's supernatural spiritual truth meant to raise me up into the man you always wanted me to be. I can't do it without your help. So, I'm begging you now, please fill me with your Holy Spirit and bring to mind your empowering words so I live the blessed life that you and all of heaven know is right. Make these beatitudes my attitude and give me the ability to swim upstream past the petty spiritual perjuries of my times.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Christ's love compels to us to bring him with us to help us die for our generation like he did for his.