Welcome to my blog: I intend to share heartfelt writing about anything that comes to mind. |
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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Take Up Your Cross Prompt: Revelation 22:12-14 12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Explain these verses. Answer: The Bible says, Christ’s coming will be like a thief in the night. He comes back quickly when we least expect it. Another thing I noticed about verse 12, is that he not only comes back quickly, but he comes prepared to give every man according to his works. Verse 13 simply says he is the beginning and the ending and everything in between. When he returns, we are going to be very blessed if he finds us obeying his Commandments and doing what we are supposed to be doing. Our forefather, Adam, ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and brought death upon the whole human race. When Jesus leads us to the tree of life to eat of it, we will then live forever. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripture writing - Romans 15:1-6 Scripture: 1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Observations: Verse1- The ones that are stronger in the faith should help the ones who are weaker. We are to put others before ourselves. Verse 2- First of all, it is important to understand what edification is. After looking it up on Google, I got this definition. Edification is the act of edifying, or the state of being edified; a building up, especially in a moral, emotional, or spiritual sense; moral, intellectual, or spiritual improvement; through encouragement and instruction. Basically, this verse is saying that we should lift each other up and encourage one another. Verse 3- we should edify each other and put others first because that is the example Christ set for us. Verse 4- The scriptures were written so that we might have education, patience, comfort, and hope. Verse 5- After looking up the definition of consolation, here is what I found on yourdictionary.com. The definition of consolation refers to comfort that is given to someone in a time of disappointment, or to the people or things that are providing that comfort. I find it interesting that this refers to God as the God of patience and consolation. I can't help but see this a picture of a very loving and compassionate God. I notice that he is the one that makes us like-minded one toward another in Jesus Christ. Verse 6- God the Father makes us like-minded in Christ so that we can glorify him in one mind and one voice. Application: Wow! These verses are loaded! When just reading over them at first glance, I did not expect to get what I got out of them by taking a closer, more in-depth look. God wants us to put others needs before our own. He wants us to live as a sacrifice for others just as Christ lived as a sacrifice for us. He wants the strong to help the weak. The scriptures were given to us for our good, and not to just condemn us all. When we are like-minded, we are able to glorify and praise God as a whole with one mind and one voice. It is God who causes us to be like-minded one toward another so we can glorify him together. God comforts and consoles and is patient with his people. Prayer: Dear God in Heaven, I give praise and glory to your name. You are so good and loving towards us. Help me to put others first before myself. I trust you to care for me. Help me to live out the example that Christ has set before me. Thank you for your Holy Scriptures. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gratitude List 1. Pets 2. Facebook messenger 3. Ceiling fans 4. Sinks 5. Clouds in the sky 6. Trees for shade 7. Mail 8. Bible study 9. Worship music 10. Bible study helps ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Make-up Scripture writing - Joshua 1:5-9 For March 2, 2021 Scripture: 5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. 7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. 8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Observations: Verse 5- God's promise to Joshua is good for all of us. He is a faithful God. He will not fail or forsake us when we are doing what he has called us to do. Verse 6- God desires us to be strong in his strength and not weak. God desires us to have courage in difficult times. God will fulfill his promises. Verse 7- God is telling Joshua that the only way he will prosper is if he follows God's laws and does it without variation. Verse 8- Joshua will have prosperity and success when he makes God's law his focus day and night. He should always be thinking about it and speaking it continually. Verse 9- In this verse, God tells him again to be strong and courageous. It is a command from God. He tells him to not be afraid or dismayed (To cause to lose enthusiasm or resolution; disillusion or discourag; A feeling of discouragement or consternation, as at the prospect of trouble.), because God is going to be with him wherever he goes. Application: God is faithful to keep his promises. We can trust him 100%. We do not have to be dismayed or discouraged, because God will bring to pass everything he has promised. We can be courageous and strong and bold because he is with us always everywhere we go. He never leaves us or for sale a us. We can have confidence to perform his will in our lives. We will experience prosperity and success when we live, breathe, and think constantly on the Word and laws of God. Prayer: Dear God in Heaven, Hallowed be your name! You are so precious to us, a constant and consistent companion and friend. You are our Holy Father and bless those who do your will. Thank you for all your precious promises that we can rely on. We can have confidence to increase our faith in you. You are so good. In Jesus’ name, Amen |
A new Bible study was posted here today. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Take Up Your Cross Prompt: Psalm 1:1-3 1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. This scripture is loaded with information. It tells us what we should not do and what we should do and that we will be blessed for following these instructions. How can these verses apply to our lives? Answer: Walking not in the council of the ungodly means to not follow their advice to sin. To not stand in the way of sinners means to not spend a bunch of quality time with them doing the things they are doing. To not sit in the seat of the scornful means to not sit around mocking and passing harsh judgement on and criticizing other people. The godly delight to read and study God's law. They will think about it all the time. Because they delight in God's law and do not spend a majority of their time associated with the ungodly, they are blessed. Whatever they do will prosper and they will be like a well-watered garden.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripture writing - Ephesians 4:29-32 Scripture 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Observations Verse 29- Let your speech be only good at all times so those that hear it will be blessed. Verse 30- The Holy Spirit is our seal for Salvation. We don't want to grieve him. Verse 31- Don’t hold on to negative emotions. Get rid of them quickly. Verse 32- Be towards others as Christ is towards you. Application Love others as Christ loves you. Don't grieve the Holy Spirit. Don't hang on to negative emotions. Speak only things that are good for others to hear. Prayer Dear God, Help me to love others the way you love me. Keep the door of my mouth. Teach me to only speak what is right. Teach me to forgive quickly and to never hang on to anger or other negative emotions. Help me to never grieve your spirit. Thank you for your salvation. I love you. In Jesus’ name, Amen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gratitude List 1. Money to pay the bills and get essential items 2. Insurance 3. Transportation 4. Pharmacy 5. Allergy medicine 6. Lotion 7. Hand sanitizer 8. Face masks 9. Wrist brace 10. Dish soap ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Make-up Scripture writing - Joel 2:12-14 For March 1, 2021 Scripture 12 Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. 14 Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the Lord your God? Observations Verse 12 - God is giving his people a chance to repent of their sins and to change their attitude and behavior. He wants complete repentance. He wants them to truly be sorry for their sins against him. He wants them to show that sorrow by weeping and mourning for offending him and by afflicting the body in fasting. (to show true grief because of their sins against him) Verse 13- Let your sin break your heart and return to serving God. God is very merciful and gracious. He is slow to anger (long suffering) and very kind. He may change his mind about the evil he has planned toward you in his anger. Verse 14- Who knows? He may even bless you instead. Application When we realized we have sinned against God, we should immediately enter into an attitude of grieving repentance. God wants us to be truly sorry and heartbroken over our sin just as it also breaks his heart when we sin. Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, Help me to be truly sorry for my sins against you. Let me realize how much they hurt you. Teach me to grieve over my sin the way you want me to. Show me your great mercy and kindness. Forgive me where I have failed you. I love you, God. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen |
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I will be posting a new study tomorrow. You have one more day to share your testimony with me to receive a thousand gift points next week. Tomorrow's study will be, “I Believe, What's Next?”. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripture writing - Ephesians 4:22-28 Scripture: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Observations: Verse 22- When we are born again, our conversation, behavior, and thought process change. The new person we become in Christ is no longer corrupted by deceitful lusts. Verse 23- Let the way you think be changed. Verse 24- We begin to act like, talk like, think like, and look like Christ because God recreates us in righteousness and true holiness. Verse 25- Speak truthfully because we are all the one body of Christ. Verse 26- It is ok to be angry, but don't be controlled by emotion. Being controlled by emotion only leads to sin. Don't dwell on or hang onto anger. Let it go quickly while it is still today. Verse 27- Don't give any opportunity to the devil. Verse 28- Work to make an honest income without stealing, and give to others in need. Application: When we are born again, God recreates us in righteousness and holiness. The way we think, act and speak changes. We tell the truth. We don't steal. We work to earn our money honestly. We give to others when they are in need. We control our emotions, and our emotions don't control us. We avoid giving any opportunity to the devil. Prayer: Dear God in Heaven, Thank you for remaking me into a new person, an upgraded and improved version of my former self. Continue to remold and reshape me in your righteousness and holiness. I know you are not done with me yet. Help me to stay in control of my emotions and let good the negative ones quickly. Help me to live a life that sets a good example to others, and help me to know when I am about to give opportunity to the devil so that it can be avoided. Renew the thought process in my mind. In Jesus’ Holy name, Amen --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gratitude List 1. Sabbath day of rest 2. Friends 3. Memories 4. Pictures 5. Pillows 6. Cushions 7. Springtime 8. Ice water 9. Color 10. Quiet |
I will be adding a new Bible study Monday. Don't forget to share your testimony with me for 1,000 gift points.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Take Up Your Cross Prompt: There are some other scriptures that speak of spiritual blessings besides the beatitudes. I hope for us to take a look at some of them over the next few days. James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. What does it mean to endure temptation? Answer: Enduring temptation is simply not yielding to it. James 1:13-15 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Instead of receiving the crown of life, when we yield to temptation, the end result is death.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I have joined a scripture writing group on Facebook. I feel led by the Holy Spirit to share it with you here. You are welcome to copy what I have here or you can do your own study on the scriptures I share or choose your own Scripture to study. Some people like to draw doodles or pictures when they write their Scriptures out. Each scripture I am using here was assigned by the Facebook group leader. I personally like to use the soap method for Scripture writing. (S-scripture/o-observations/a-application/p-prayer) I hope this helps some of you be able to read and study the scriptures better. I hope sharing this with you is also a blessing to you. Scripture Writing - Ephesians 2:4-10 Scripture: 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Observations: Verse 4- God is rich in mercy (not giving deserved punishment). God has a great love for us. Verse 5- God has this before-mentioned great love and rich mercy towards us even when we are not saved and dead in our sins. Because of this, through grace (giving what we don't deserve), quickened (to revive; restore life to:) us together with Christ. Verse 6- God raised us up together with other saved people, not by ourselves alone. He has set us up in heavenly places, and put our feet on higher ground. Verse 7- He raised us up to heavenly places so in time to come he could show his rich grace and kindness towards us through Jesus. Verse 8- we are saved through our faith (belief) in Jesus Christ by the grace and gift of God. There is nothing that we can do in and of ourselves to obtain God's gift of Salvation. Verse 9- Man can't boast or take any credit for God's gift to us. It can't be earned with the works of men. Verse 10- God created us. It is only through Jesus Christ that we can do good works. God planned ahead of time that we should do good works. Application God is so rich in mercy and grace towards me. He has great love for me. While I was living in sin, outside of his will, he gave me life in Jesus Christ. He has justified me and sanctified me. He sets my feet on higher ground and leads me into heavenly place with Jesus. I am saved because I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and God has given me Salvation which I don't deserve and has forgiven my sins. Jesus paid the price of my sins for me. My salvation is my gift from God. Nothing I could do could ever earn God's gift of Salvation to me. God created me to do good works through Christ who gives me strength. Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you so very much for your precious gift. Thank you for loving me and giving me grace and showing me mercy. Let my only boast be in and of you and all you have done for me. I praise you, and give you glory in return. Here is my life. I have given it to you. Direct my path. Help me to remain in your will. In Jesus’ Precious Name, Marvelous Friend ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gratitude List 1. Food I don't have to cook to eat. 2. Understanding 3. Notebooks 4. Writing utensils 5. Prayer 6. Praise 7. Church family 8. Doggie bags 9. Leashes 10. Flashlights Jesus is my permanent anchor! |
Are you a believer in Jesus Christ? Take a look at my new Bible study forum. Tell me what you think. By the way, anyone who tells me their personal testimony on how they became a believer this week will get 1000 gift points next week. This week's title is “Do You Believe?”. I will be adding a new Bible study on Monday, 3/8. Make sure you come share your testimony with me in the forum for 1000 gift points. I only have 2 so far. I plan to also make a group page for the forum over the weekend. How many of you would also be interested in scripture writing, scripture memorization, and Bible quiz questions? Comment below and let me know.
——————————————————————————————————— Take Up Your Cross Prompt: Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Right after the beatitudes, Jesus says we are the salt of the earth. What does it mean to be the salt of the earth? Answer: According to dictionary.com, the definition of salt is a crystalline compound, sodium chloride, NaCl, occurring as a mineral, a constituent of seawater, etc., and used for seasoning food, as a preservative, etc. I have heard different explanations for this. The common one I hear is that we are to be set apart. We represent Christ. We are a peculiar people. I am sure there is a lot of depth and different meanings that can be taken from this verse. We know salt is a seasoning. I find it interesting that right after saying we are the salt of the earth, Jesus tells us we are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14-16 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. I believe these verses all go together. We are to season the earth and to lead by example what it means to follow Christ. By being a good example, we are lighting the way for others. Salt is also a preservative. We, who follow Christ, preserve the earth. We preserve it in a few ways. We preserve it through prayer, and by teaching future generations what is right and to fear God. We preserve it by fearing and honoring God. Can you think of a few other ways we preserve the earth? Tell me in a comment.
————————————————————————————————————- Gratitude List 1. Doctors 2. Nurses 3. Musical instruments 4. Face masks 5. Groceries 6. Cleaning supplies 7. Flowers 💐 8. Rain clouds 9. Rain 10. Beauty |
Are you a believer in Jesus Christ? Take a look at my new Bible study forum. Tell me what you think. By the way, anyone who tells me their personal testimony on how they became a believer this week will get 1000 gift points next week. This week's title is “Do You Believe?”. Come check out my new Bible Study Forum!
———————————————————————————————————- Take Up Your Cross Prompt: Matthew 5:10-12 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. This is the last beatitude. What does it mean to you, and why should we rejoice when persecuted? Answer: A good example of this, is found in Genesis 39. Joseph was falsely accused of trying to force himself sexually on the wife of his master, and was put in prison. Later through a series of events, he became 2nd in command to the kingdom of Egypt. It is so easy to find ourselves getting angry when we are falsely accused of anything, especially when we know we are doing what is right. Life seems so unfair sometimes. However, God sees us. He has our back. If he rewards us for our evil deeds, how much more wouldn’t he reward us for doing well? What I noticed in verse twelve is that we will be rewarded in heaven. It makes me think of another scripture in the sermon on the mount. Matthew 6:19-21 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
——————————————————————————————————— Gratitude List 1. Dishes 2. Laundry 3. Towels 4. Tax returns 5. Cell phone apps 6. Locks 7. Doors 8. Walls 9. Nice day of weather 10. Pictures Jesus is my permanent anchor! |
Come check out my new Bible Study Forum!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Take Up Your Cross Prompt: Continuing the topic of the beatitudes, let's look at the next three in line. Matthew 5:7-9 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Explain what these three verses mean to you. Answer: If you show mercy to others, you will have mercy shown toward you. There is no mercy where no mercy is given. The pure in heart are the ones who have their heart right with God. Because they are pure in their heart, they can meet with God face to face. God is holy. Psalm 34:14-15 14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. Psalm 34 shows us that God wants us to pursue peace. Conflict, strife, envy, and arguing come from evil and selfish motives. This is stated on more than one occasion. James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 1 Peter 2:1-2 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: Galatians 5:19-23 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Romans 12:16-18 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. So as we become children of God, we seek peace. These are just a few scriptures about it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gratitude List 1. Couches 2. Recliners 3. Dining Table 4. Dining chairs 5. computer 6. Medicine 7. Games 8. Ice 9. Soup 10. Showers |
This week's study is Do You Believe? Everyone who posts their testimony in the message forum this week will get 1000 gift points next week. Please, come on over and take a look!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Take Up Your Cross Prompt: In Matthew 5:5-6, we have the next two beatitudes. Matthew 5:5-6 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. What do these mean to you? Answer: In verse five, what does it mean to be meek? https://www.dictionary.com/browse/meek?s=t meek [ meek ]SHOW IPA See synonyms for: meek / meekly / meekness on Thesaurus.com adjective, meek·er, meek·est. humbly patient or quiet in nature, as under provocation from others. overly submissive or compliant; spiritless; tame. Obsolete. gentle; kind. My thought on “the meek shall inherit the Earth” is that it pertains to the 1,000 year reign of Christ. Those who submit their life and will to God, will rule the Earth with Christ during that 1,000 years. Pertaining to verse six, God does not deny his children physical food. Spiritual food is even more important than physical food. God will not deny his children spiritual food either. It pleases him when we hunger and thirst for righteousness, and it pleases him to meet that need.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gratitude List 1. Tylenol 2. Ability to walk 3. Ability to taste 4. Ability to travel 5. Fresh air 6. Phones 7. Online shopping 8. Sleep 9. Eye glasses 10. Coffee Jesus is my permanent anchor! |
I have posted a new Bible study for today. The title is Do You Believe? Come on over and read it. Leave a comment. Request prayer. Make a suggestion. I would love to hear what you have to say. Come check out my new Bible Study Forum!
The first Bible study is on Hagai 1:1-11. Take a look and join me in the study, leave a comment about your views on it. Join me every week, starting March 1, 2021. I will post a new Bible study every Monday. I am looking forward to seeing you there! 👀 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Take Up Your Cross Prompt: In the first few verses of Matthew chapter 5, this is where we find the Beatitudes. What does Matthew 5:3-4 mean to you? Matthew 5:3-4 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Answer: In verse three, it refers to the poor in spirit. Some of you may ask, why would God want us to be poor in our spirit? Why is Jesus saying we are blessed if our spirit is poor? Doesn't God want us to be joyous? Didn't Christ come so we can have life more abundantly? To understand this verse a little better, let me refer to another. Psalm 34:18-19 18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/contrite?s=t contrite [ kuhn-trahyt, kon-trahyt ]SHOW IPA adjective caused by or showing sincere remorse. filled with a sense of guilt and the desire for atonement; penitent: a contrite sinner. I also want to share another one. 2 Corinthians 7:8-10 8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. 9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. The key to this reference of the poor in spirit I believe is for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. So if I am poor in my spirit because I acknowledge my sin and am sorrowful about it, this sorrow leads to eternal life through confession and repentance of sin. In verse four, it talks of those who mourn. I have heard a couple of theries on this. One is that God always comforts his child who is mourning as any good, loving father would do. The second is that if we mourn for our sins, God will also comfort us as he forgives our sin. Psalm 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. As a father comforts his child after correction, God also comforts us.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gratitude List 1. The Blood of Jesus 2. God's love 3. The Bible 4. The people who gave their lives for me to be able to read the Bible in my own language. 5. Church 6. My pastor and his wife 7. Church services on the internet 8. Communion 9. Transportation to and from church 10. Fellowship with other believers. |