In studying Matthew chapter 5 I learned a great deal. It’s funny how you think you know something and then we you study it you find out how little you know. Let’s take a look at a portion of scripture today and then I will explain.

Matthew 5 (KJV) “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,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.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.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.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.

We will look at three words that really made this come to life for me. The three words are poor, mourn and meek.  Poor means like a beggar-not just a kind of out of work, no money poor, but poor as in beggar; meaning unable to even have the ability to provide for oneself.  Then mourn means to grieve and be sorry for the state that one finds him or herself in. Finally the word meek means to be under authority. Just these first few verses changed the way I thought of the “BE”-“Attitudes”.  Jesus was trying to get His disciples to think differently.  That’s the struggle we as Christians find ourselves wrestling with.  As humans we have a desire to “BE” self-sufficient. A beggar has no way of being self-sufficient.  Self-sufficiency is what the first Adam and Eve feel prey to. They were deceived into believing they could become God like and needed not to depend on God, or see themselves with a sober estimation of themselves to the point of mourning and refused to see themselves under God’s authority.

Today as you go about your business and engage in this thing we call life allow the knowledge that without Christ we are nothing, we have nothing and we are capable of nothing.  In Christ we have all things, all sufficiency and all joy.  Let these beatitudes become alive in your life and your journey. They are the first steps on the stairway to the Kingdom of God.

Tomorrow we will look deeper into these beatitudes in Matthew 5.

Admit it--we all take our health for granted. If you’re like me you never get sick. I mean we are the ones that rarely sneeze.  We try to watch what we eat, we exercise and we pray….well most of the time.  No one is perfect. Then the unexpected happens.  We find ourselves unable to keep the pace and healing seems to allude us.  Most of us run to the medicine cabinet and begin to medicate ourselves thinking we got this under control. But what happens when the same ole same ole doesn’t work anymore? Ahhh, then we go for the prayer closet.  What is it about this self-sufficient human dilemma we find ourselves in?  We are born into depravity from the moment we take our first breath.  We are born needing a Savior.  When we cry out to Jesus He hears our cry and comes to our aid.  At that moment we are reborn into the Kingdom of God as a child of God we are entitled to healing.  Healing belongs to us but we have to believe what the Lord has purchased for us and receive it and not allow the devil to deceive us into believing that sickness belongs to us. 

Isaiah 53:5 (KJV) “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

Fighting a cold? Seasonal allergies got you down? What you don’t want to do is agree with the devil. We don’t want to confess, “I’m catching a cold.”  Confess rather the Word of God.  Fight like a child of God. Speak the Word. Believe the Word. Remember healing belongs to you; Jesus already paid the price for you to walk in health.

I’ve been married 39 years.  I am still learning what I don’t know can hurt you.  Recently we had the opportunity to spend a week just focusing on our marriage.  I truly advise this about every two years.  My ah-ha moment was finding out my Intensity level was in the high 90’s, my husband’s intensity level in 72.  Needless to say I thought he was more intense than I ever was…assumption #1 that caused problems.  We can assume a lot of things about our mate but it really helps to get outside advice.  Someone who is not bias and can be objective can really bring things back into focus. We were so blessed we are energized again to help others with their marriages.  So today’s blog is going to be short because I want you to watch a short YouTube video.  Then every week watch at least one more of this man’s videos with your spouse.  By the end of all the videos I promise you, your marriage will improve.

Here is the video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XjUFYxSxDk 

There is also a test you can take online for $35. Called KLLP. If you are interested let me know as you will need a code to get that price.

Also we are having Marriage classes each Wednesday nights at our church located 2198 Blue Horizon Drive, Morgantown, WV  26505 The class starts at 7PM and goes to about 8:30PM.  Childcare is available.  For more information call our office at 304-292-7283.

Mark 10:9 (KJV) "What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder"

There are many substances and destructive behaviors that can ruin a person’s life. Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, pornography, gambling, are a few of the most popular vices that can destroy a person’s life.  Those we love, our sons, our daughters, our parents, co-workers and associates can at times affect not only our lives with their addictions, but those of their own family.  Many of us want to do something, and maybe have even tried to intervene, but to no avail.  The saying is true, “You can’t set somebody free against their will.”  So what do we do? 

In the great orchestra of life we each have a part to play. It does not matter what instrument you have been assigned, the sheet music you have been given or the chair in which you are to sit, what matters is that your eyes are on the conductor.

Jesus Christ only did what He saw His father do.  While here on earth His assignment was completed and He fulfilled His mission because He never wavered from His assignment or did His own thing.  Too often in life we feel as though we can do anything because the only person our actions affect are us, this is not true.  Jesus obedience is still affecting all of humanity.  We as children of God have the same mandate  as Jesus has--obey the father.  We may be in a different chair with a different part to play but our eyes must be on the conductor.

Today there is a sound that must be heard throughout the land.  There is a song that if it is sang it will awaken a sleeping generation.  There is a melody that can soften hardened hearts.  The world awaits for each of us to play our part.

The way America does church is very different than the way they did church 40 years ago. In fact the way we do everything is pretty much different from the way we did things 40 years ago. Think about it in just one generation the way we drive, cook, clean, educate, recreate, etc. etc. has changed.  Even the way we do marriage and life has changed. We have stay at home dads and families with two mommies or two daddies.  Life has drastically changed in just one generation.  What will the changes be in the next forty years? What will the next generation look like? 

When I read my Bible I see a trend.  If one generation served God, things got better; then the next generation did not serve God, and things got bad again.  It is a rare thing that consecutive generations follow God and serve Him. It has been my observation that when things are bad people turn to God.  When things are good people turn their attention away from God.  Maybe it’s just me but I notice a pattern even in marriages, that when a young couple get married and they have very little; they get along fairly well and work towards a common goal.  Years go by and as they accumulate wealth and have more spare time, they begin to grow apart and fight over things—things they did not have just 20 years earlier.  Then something occurs like a death or a sickness or a loss and it drives them towards one another again.  What is it that we as humans seemingly function higher when under pressure or attack?  The church has always grown more when persecuted than in more favorable times.

Things are going to change, this we can be sure of. Our beliefs and values will be passed onto the next generation.  Children will grow up doing what they see their parents doing, not what their parents tell them to do.  Culture will change and what is popular will also change with the times.  What will not change is what God‘s word tells us.  Wrong will never be right.  We can rehearse something over and over again but rehearsing it will not make it true.  Truth will continue to be truth whether man accepts as truth or not. We are responsible for what we do with this life we live. We will have to give an account for our time on this earth.  What will be said of us is yet to be determined.  Every day we have a new opportunity to make a difference. If you feel unnecessary, unwanted, unimportant, insignificant, let me remind you—one person can make a huge difference.  I know you think I am referring to Jesus, and yes that is true He made a huge difference, but so did many other individuals.  Paul, Moses, Elijah, Mary, Rahab, Ruth, John and many others all individuals that did amazing things that changed the lives of others and are still affecting lives today. 

Today I challenge you to read Hebrews chapter eleven, “the Hall of Fame” or as some call it “the Hall of Faith”.

Hebrews 11”39 (NLT) “39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. 40 For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.”

You matter.  Do not lose hope or grow weary in well doing.

Ride a bike and you can see what others can’t.  Pick a trail that is steep and dangerous and it will be more likely that you will travel alone.  While riding the thought occurred to me following God is like riding a bike.  Once you learn how to walk with God you may chose not to, but you don’t forget how.  When you want to get back on, you won’t be as good at it and you may feel clumsy and out of step but stay with it and it will all come back to you.  Walking with God you will see things others can’t.  Traveling with the Lord is not an easy trail, many times it is all up hill.  At times like these, our character is being developed so that when we find ourselves in a battle we will know how to stand and fight.

Philippians 1:27 (NLT) “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.”

 

Living as a citizen in Heaven means that we are accustomed to His presence and His power.  What is important to God is important to us as well.  As citizens of heaven we would operate within the laws and culture of heaven. We would love others as we love ourselves and stand with those of like precious faith.

On the trail you don’t leave your buddies behind. You work together against the oppositions, obstacles, unexpected and normal trials and tribulations.  You learn to carry whatever you might need to fix a flat or take care of abrasions and over worked muscles because in that environment you can’t depend on others to get you to your destiny.  Every man stands alone yet works together for the good of all.  You check on others and see that they too are okay and able to finish their ride. On the trail you warn others of dangers such as snakes coiled on the sides or stretched across the path. But bottom line is they can choose to listen and be safe or to disregard our warnings and pay dearly for their bad choices. Staying on the trail can keep you not just safe but alive.

When you woke up this morning did you start peddling in the right direction? Are you comfortable in the seat and in control of those handle bars? Others may get to their destinations sooner and may even look great getting there, but the bottom line is will you hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”  There is coming for all of us a final ride.

A beautiful day and very few people were outside.  Ball fields were empty. Swing sets were dangling empty and swaying in the wind. It's April. The flowers are in bloom and the trees are beginning to bud but where are the children playing, the couples walking and the elderly sitting on the benches?  We have become a nation of people who spend more time inside than outside.  I speak to young women and encourage them to take their children outdoors for at least twenty minutes a day, every day.  Fresh air and sunshine are necessities to life. I could understand if we were at war and we all had to stay inside our homes for the sake of safety, but that is not the case--at least not yet. As a country we are heavier and more sedentary than ever before. What we model for our children matters and if we are to be around to enjoy our grandchildren we need to take better care of ourselves. This demands discipline and faithfulness and a commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

1 Corinthians 9:25 (NIV) "25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air."

A boxer beating the air has nothing to aim at. A runner with no finish line or set goals and personal times has nothing to push towards. No matter our age, gender, educational level, financial status, or social status we all need to breathe air and move.  Sit too long in one position at my age and you may get stuck there...or at the very least a little stiff and slow at getting going again.  I used to hear it said, "The first two letters of God is go", so we need to go.  My question was go where? My challenge to you this week is to just
get moving.  I wear a Fitbit and try to get in 10,000 steps a day.  It is a challenge.  I park my car a little further away, I walk, I ride my bike, and I try to be outside doing something if only for a few minutes.
 
When our bodies wear out--we get evicted. It is illegal to be on this earth without a body to house our spirit and soul.  Take good care of your body; it is the only one you get.  Model a healthy life style for those around you.  We tend to be only as active as those around us.  Hang out with people who eat out a lot and consume high calorie food and you probably will too. Hang out with active people who watch what they eat and make healthy choices and you probably will too.

1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV) "Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."

I encourage you to check out this web site:  http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/healthy-living-8-steps-to-take-today   Make the house God lives in a healthy one--your body. 

No matter how great your Sunday is sooner or later, usually sooner its Monday again.  For many of Americans and Christians all over the world we come together and praise the Lord and celebrate our redemption and fellowship with like believers.  It is especially that way on Resurrection morning. Easter as most refer to is my favorite holiday.  Many do not know that it has its origin in pagan roots and that the name Easter comes from a pagan figure called Eastre (or Eostre) who was celebrated as the goddess of spring by the Saxons of Northern Europe. A festival called Eastre was held during the spring equinox by these people to honor her. It seems if you study most holidays,  you will find that when we as Christians have tried to convert Pagan Holidays (compromise) into our religious holidays, we lose.  By that I mean that whatever you compromise to keep you lose.

Psalm 119:3 (NLT) “They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.”

How does that tie into Mondays? I’m glad you ask. If you or I try to make a Sunday into a Monday we will lose the Sabbath all together, we would miss church, and miss the fellowship.  If we try to make Monday our Sunday the doors to the church would probably be locked, none of our brothers and sisters would be there, and surely the boss would miss you at work and who knows if the kiddos would make it to school.  See we have to make the most of the day while it is still called today for soon it will be called yesterday and tomorrow will be a new day.

Ephesians 5:16 (NLT) “16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.”

Some days I feel like this lil tabby guy.  If anything can go wrong it probably has or will. The lid coming off your Starbucks is probably not a  great idea. Me working before coffee or my Kenya Tea not a great idea. So when the day starts off with less than great ideas they usually go from bad to worst. "But your a Christian" you say. "Things should always be just rosy for you".  Well not true. Just because one has chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior, does not mean they will live trouble free lives.  The good thing about Fridays is there is a Saturday and a Sunday coming. A lot can happen in a couple of days.

John 16:13 (NLT) "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

In this world we will have troubles. Today is Good Friday. Jesus certainly had His share of troubles on this day over 2000 years ago. From the beginning of His day till the end of His day it truly went from really bad to totally the worst day of anyone who has ever lived.  It doesn't get any worse than being beaten, crucified and going to hell to pay a debt you didn't owe. But the great thing about it is just 3 days later it was the greatest day in history.

So what's the point? The point is no matter how bad a day you have had or will ever have don't give up. Keep pressing on.  Your triumph over all your enemies and all your pain can be over in an instant.  In fact the Bible tells us in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye everything is going to change.

1 Corinthians 15:52 (NLT) "It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed."

Be of good courage. The wonderful thing about life is it always changes. If you don't like your life today just live till tomorrow and it will be a new day.   Begin to change the way you think and you will begin to see your life change. Want a better life? Make better choices, one choice at a time. Need a better attitude? Think better thoughts, one thought at a time.  

Each day approximately 86 Americans commit suicide, and 1,500 people attempt suicide. Suicide is the nation's eighth leading cause of death. For those 15-24 years of age, suicide is the third leading cause of death. More Americans, an estimated 31,000, kill themselves than are killed by homicide.

We do not have to put an end to our life to receive peace; we have to receive Jesus Christ.  To receive Jesus Christ all we have to do is what Romans 10: 9-10 tells us.   If you want peace then cry out to Jesus, do what this following scripture tells you and you can be assured not all your days will be perfect but you will have hope and you will never be alone.  In your darkest hour, there will be light. 

Romans 10:9-10 (NKJV) "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."