I'm gearing up for Cross Camp '09, so I've decided to devote the month of July to memorizing our theme verses from Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes. As I've been preparing to teach these truths to 7th and 8th grade girls at camp I've been struck by how radical Jesus was - and is.
Blessed -- happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous; with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions -- are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed -- with a happiness produced by the experience of God's favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His matchless grace -- are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed -- happy, blithesome, joyous, spiritually prosperous, with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions -- are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
You get the idea (definitions of "blessed" courtesy of the Amplified Bible). Life-joy, satisfaction, happiness, favor - regardless of outward condition. I want that. I'm just not always anxious to embrace my poverty of spirit, to mourn, to be meek.
Please pray for me as I prepare to teach and interact with kids who need to grasp these truths! I'm anxious about imparting truth without apology, but also with compassion, passion and clarity!
So here's my scripture passage for the month of July:
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst
for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are tbe merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted
because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you
and falsely say all kinds of evil against you
because of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
for great is your reward in heaven,
for in the same way
they persecuted the prophets before you.
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst
for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are tbe merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted
because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you
and falsely say all kinds of evil against you
because of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
for great is your reward in heaven,
for in the same way
they persecuted the prophets before you.
Matthew 5:3-12
2 comments:
mmm... such good stuff. I got emotional reading that post. I cannot wait to hear how your Bible study goes... maybe I can attend?? :)
Love you and can't wait to see you MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for letting me know about the CD - that was such a pleasent surprise!
Blessings in Him, as you insturct and encourage those around you,
Siesta OC
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