"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule." (Matt 5:3, MSG) This reminds me of what John the Baptist concluded: "He (Jesus) must become greater; I must become less." (John 3:30, NIV2)We hunger to be closer...
"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you." (Matt 5:4, MSG)Last year I truly experienced what is known as the "empty-nest syndrome". For the first time of my life, both of my sons left...
"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are-no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought." (Matt 5:5, MSG)So many among us are not satisfied by what we have or who we are; and as life goes on, we...
"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat." (Matt 5:6, MSG)We sure enjoy eating a delicious meal, especially if it is eggplant parmesan, my favorite. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water,...
"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for." (Matt 5:7, MSG)We never were so welcomed than when we visited the peninsula of Gaspésie, especially in the town of Percé. We were truly welcomed like kings. At our...
"You're blessed when you get your inside world-your mind and heart-put right. Then you can see God in the outside world." (Matt 5:8, MSG)How many among us live on regret and guilt? "If I had only known!", "Why didn't I act with more compassion?", "Why did I ignore...
"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family." (Matt 5:9, MSG)"Blessed [are] the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God." (Matt 5:9,...