E-votional - Be-Attitudes
January 30, 2002
Verse:

"“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 5:7-10 (NRSV)

Thought:

   Connection. This is what happens when we read the first six verses of the Beatitudes. We connect because those words speak to us in a very real way. It is who we are. And if the first section of the Beatitudes is about who we are, then the next section is about who we are to be.

   Hear the Good News, the Be-attitudes, the way we are to live our life and relate to others is with peace and mercy. Living a life that strives to be pure in heart and righteous in our actions. On the heels of being poor in spirit, mournful, hungry and meek, it seems as though not only will our focus change, the focus on ourselves, but the outlook and promise for society as well. And are you ready, here is the most important element of all. Jesus, not only does he teach and tell us who we are to be, but He enables us, makes us into that person, molds us like a coach or personal trainer. It is not all talk, but there is the transforming power there. The presence that can turn us into the beatitudes.

Prayer: 

   Gracious Father, Let me be all I can be. Change me and transform me to be the blessing I am to be, that I might do all I can do. Thank You for all that You have done in my life and all You will continue to do, for I ask this through Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.