We’re used to earning things. If we study hard we earn good grades.If we have a job we earn money.If we keep our word we earn respect. Since this mentality-of-earning is so deeply engrained in our brains we can also start to think that we can only experience God’s blessings if we earn them. And … Continue reading Just to be is a blessing
blessed
Blessed are the merciful
In Matthew 5:7 Jesus says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” As I shared yesterday, my Gingrich New Testament dictionary tells me that someone who is “blessed” is the “privileged recipient of divine favor.” In other words, blessed people have been shown generosity (or favour) from God. Those who show mercy … Continue reading Blessed are the merciful
Blessed are the deflated
Listen to what Jesus says in Matthew 5:3: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” To understand what he’s talking about, we first need to ask what it means to be “blessed.” A lot of people say they feel “blessed” or use #blessed as a hashtag when something is … Continue reading Blessed are the deflated
Blessed people bless people
A lot of people are feeling overwhelmed. It’s understandable. After all, there’s a pandemic going on. It’s easy to feel out of control, uncertain, or even paralyzed. But although you don’t have much say about what happens to you, you do have a say in what happens through you. God’s people can be proactive about … Continue reading Blessed people bless people
#Blessed?
#Blessed is a really popular hashtag, especially at this time of year. When posting pics many people—including myself—will say we’re somehow #blessed and that God has been good to us. To be honest, I love seeing it. It's an awareness of God as a loving provider. But get this. In Luke 11:27-28 a woman in … Continue reading #Blessed?
More than you take
I'm guessing we all want joy. So this idea from John Maxwell may not be what first comes to mind, but it's gold.