9-4-20   THOUGHTS

When Jesus first began his teaching, this is what he said:
Matt 5:3-12    "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4  "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5  "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. 6  "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7  "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8  "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9  "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.  10  "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11  "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12  "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
If you look carefully on the bolded areas above, you see a composite of desirable characteristics of a Christian.  They are anything but bold and aggressive and powerful.  I do not see the American in the news in this description.  
Jas 4:8-10     Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9  Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

We are discussing my PERSONALITY and DISPOSITION!  Am I one who EXALTS SELF, or am I one WHO LOVINGLY LIVES FOR OTHERS trusting that God will EXALT ME WHEN HE WISHES.  
John 12:43      for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.
Php 1:9-11  And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, 10  so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; 11  having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

The APPLICATION of Jesus declarations in the BEATITUDE discourse is found in
Matt 5:13-16   "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. 14  "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15  nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16  "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
2Cor 12:10   Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

My Prayer:
Teach us to live differently than the noise of the world.  Help us to take on the character of your Word.  Cause us to love purely, and intensely and unselfishly at all times.  May we glorify you Oh God as we live.   Lift us up in your time.     

In Jesus Name                         Amen