Posts
There are those who by the words they choose seem to imply that faith in God means happiness all the time. I'm not sure that's scriptural, either in the Quran, the Torah, or the Bible. But it's what many preach.
And they have the audacity to wonder why others call them hypocrites.
In the Bible, the Apostle Paul talks about being content.
I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me; you were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I complain of want, for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:10-13 Revised Standard Version
Like many people, I internally translated Paul's words to mean he was happy. But that's not the dictionary definition. The dictionary says content is an adjective meaning: satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.
I suppose in a way that is happiness. Here is the dictionary definition for happy: delighted, pleased, or glad; characterized by or indicative of pleasure or contentment; joyful; fortunate or lucky; felicitous; skillful or apt.
The word "contentment" is used in the definition for happy, so I suppose there is a correlation.
I suppose happiness is when one is pleased about what one is not trying to change. Resignation would be the partner with that. Resignation is: to give over without resistance; to give up.
I suppose it's bad to resign. I know others hate it when I do so in a game. But when there is nothing left for me to do, what else can I do but stop and let what happens happen?
That's the way I'm feeling today. Another month is over and things have been set in motion for me to be out of this house within two weeks. For others, this is a time for rejoicing. It's something they can look forward to with joy and gladness. A new hope. For me not so. For me it is the ultimate failure. I was told to do something. I tried to do it. Nothing good happened. I mucked it up. And now I'm tired. Exhausted. I fought and lost. Nothing good happened.
True, it isn't over. But things are in motion now. The sense of absolute failure is overwhelming. It's the story of my life.
For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 Revised Standard Version
But you know, it would be nice to win once in a while. To be right.
Showing posts with label What We Teach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label What We Teach. Show all posts
Friday, July 31, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Trumpet Blows For Each of Us
I have often written about how my grandmother was a writer. Many of her works were published in newspapers and certain magazines. I do not believe she was ever paid. She also self-published a book of poems, and was part of at least two collaborations in which a writers' group self-published a book.
What I had forgotten is that my mother also writes, and has also been published in newspapers and magazines, and also had collaborated with other writers to self-publish. I just came across a book in which my mother's poem leads the way.
My mother is now the oldest living member of our extended family. All my grandparents have gone. I have one aunt and uncle left (plus their spouses), but they are my mother's younger siblings. Everyone else is gone, including Daddy.
I suppose Mother thinks often about her time to leave. She is well past eighty now. Gone are the days of youth when eternity was that far away. Now it's near the doorstep, and making even the most stoic consider what lays ahead.
We were not big into church when I was young. I do recall attending a Lutheran Church when I was five. But when we moved away Daddy quit going to church. Mother tried to bring us to various churches in the area, but we never continued for long. First Mother would quit going. Then she would quit bringing us. Once, two of my sisters and I were kicked out. We were teenagers. Need I say more?
But I knew God was important. I just didn't know who he was. To me, I visualized him as an old man with a beard - eager to catch me in a wrong so he could send me to Hell. I resolved to live a perfect life.
My definition of perfection was according to my own rules, which were flexible to suit occasions. Thus, I maintained my self-deception for years. Until I was nineteen. Not long before the morning of my nineteenth birthday I had done something which violated my person rules for right and wrong. There was no rationalizing it away. I was haunted. God had me now. I had "sinned". And I was caught. So on the morning of my nineteenth birthday I fell to my knees in the darkness of 4:00 a.m. and asked for a miracle. I asked for forgiveness. It was a Saturday.
For some reason, the message of forgiveness had never come to me. I must have heard it. It just never registered. All I knew of God was that he was demanding to the impossible degree. He wanted to send people to Hell.
The following day I went to church with my brother and heard and understood for the first time that God forgives. It was such a relief! And then I went right back into my self-righteous ways. Until I found myself in the same predicament three years later.
The message of God's forgiveness is preached all over the world. Yet the message most receive is that God is unforgiving, demanding, hard, old, unfair, uncaring, and a host of other horrible things. For this reason many people deny God, or even doubt he can exist. For even the most hardened person eventually must conclude that there can be no such God.
How do we make people understand that God forgives? I struggled with that for a long time. I have now discovered the answer.
We can't.
That is God's job, and he will do it in his own way, and in his own time, with each person individually. For some that means learning it as a child. Others must wait until they are much older. Even old, perhaps. To us that may seem unfair, but God is not unfair in anything he does. He not only factors in everything about a person when deciding what and when to do something, but he factors in everything about everyone and everything else, too.
Our job is to trust. Trust in God. Trust in his forgiveness. Trust in his mercy. Trust in his answers to prayer. Trust that he cares. Trust that all he has said is true and will come to pass. Trusting is how we run the race. It's how we finish the race.
Therefore do not cast away your confidence, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: "For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him." Hebrews 10:36-38 New King James
Ephesians (chapter six) New King James Version
[10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
[11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
[12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
[13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (emphasis mine)
[14] Stand therefore, having girded yo waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
[15] and having shod your feet with the preparation of hte gospel of peace;
[16] above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one.
[17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
[18] praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints -
I understand that some readers object to my calling Jesus, God - and vice versa. But there is only one God, people. Just the one. So no matter what name you call him, he is still God. Call him what you are used to calling him. He will hear, I am sure. Call in in the honesty of your heart, and he will hear. I do not doubt that at all. God forgives. Not because he doesn't care about the sin, but because he cares more about you and me. Before he even created the world he made it possible for all of us to be forgiven for the sins we had yet to commit. My Bible says he did that by becoming Jesus Christ. You call him what you will. But do accept that God is offering you forgiveness, and a future.
What I had forgotten is that my mother also writes, and has also been published in newspapers and magazines, and also had collaborated with other writers to self-publish. I just came across a book in which my mother's poem leads the way.
When I hear the Trumpet Call
by Helen Delger
by Helen Delger
Oftentimes I wonder where I will be when I hear the trumpet call.
Will it be in spring when flowers bloom
Or when leaves turn in fall?
Will it sound for me in summer,
Or in winter when cold winds blow?
No matter what the season, when I hear the call I will go.
I just hope that I will be ready to take that chariot ride
To cross over into His kingdom with Jesus by my side.
There to meet all my loved ones who made the journey long ago.
I await a glorious reunion with all the saints I know.
We will be clothed in garments beautiful,
Heavenly angels will sing.
Until joy will fill our hearts when our spirits then take wing.
A heavenly home awaits us there, no down payment is due.
The precious blood of Jesus has paid the price for you.
I still have tasks on Earth to do;
It is not for me to name the date.
Until the trumpet sounds for me, I will trust in Him and wait.
Will it be in spring when flowers bloom
Or when leaves turn in fall?
Will it sound for me in summer,
Or in winter when cold winds blow?
No matter what the season, when I hear the call I will go.
I just hope that I will be ready to take that chariot ride
To cross over into His kingdom with Jesus by my side.
There to meet all my loved ones who made the journey long ago.
I await a glorious reunion with all the saints I know.
We will be clothed in garments beautiful,
Heavenly angels will sing.
Until joy will fill our hearts when our spirits then take wing.
A heavenly home awaits us there, no down payment is due.
The precious blood of Jesus has paid the price for you.
I still have tasks on Earth to do;
It is not for me to name the date.
Until the trumpet sounds for me, I will trust in Him and wait.
My mother is now the oldest living member of our extended family. All my grandparents have gone. I have one aunt and uncle left (plus their spouses), but they are my mother's younger siblings. Everyone else is gone, including Daddy.
I suppose Mother thinks often about her time to leave. She is well past eighty now. Gone are the days of youth when eternity was that far away. Now it's near the doorstep, and making even the most stoic consider what lays ahead.
We were not big into church when I was young. I do recall attending a Lutheran Church when I was five. But when we moved away Daddy quit going to church. Mother tried to bring us to various churches in the area, but we never continued for long. First Mother would quit going. Then she would quit bringing us. Once, two of my sisters and I were kicked out. We were teenagers. Need I say more?
But I knew God was important. I just didn't know who he was. To me, I visualized him as an old man with a beard - eager to catch me in a wrong so he could send me to Hell. I resolved to live a perfect life.
My definition of perfection was according to my own rules, which were flexible to suit occasions. Thus, I maintained my self-deception for years. Until I was nineteen. Not long before the morning of my nineteenth birthday I had done something which violated my person rules for right and wrong. There was no rationalizing it away. I was haunted. God had me now. I had "sinned". And I was caught. So on the morning of my nineteenth birthday I fell to my knees in the darkness of 4:00 a.m. and asked for a miracle. I asked for forgiveness. It was a Saturday.
For some reason, the message of forgiveness had never come to me. I must have heard it. It just never registered. All I knew of God was that he was demanding to the impossible degree. He wanted to send people to Hell.
The following day I went to church with my brother and heard and understood for the first time that God forgives. It was such a relief! And then I went right back into my self-righteous ways. Until I found myself in the same predicament three years later.
The message of God's forgiveness is preached all over the world. Yet the message most receive is that God is unforgiving, demanding, hard, old, unfair, uncaring, and a host of other horrible things. For this reason many people deny God, or even doubt he can exist. For even the most hardened person eventually must conclude that there can be no such God.
How do we make people understand that God forgives? I struggled with that for a long time. I have now discovered the answer.
We can't.
That is God's job, and he will do it in his own way, and in his own time, with each person individually. For some that means learning it as a child. Others must wait until they are much older. Even old, perhaps. To us that may seem unfair, but God is not unfair in anything he does. He not only factors in everything about a person when deciding what and when to do something, but he factors in everything about everyone and everything else, too.
Our job is to trust. Trust in God. Trust in his forgiveness. Trust in his mercy. Trust in his answers to prayer. Trust that he cares. Trust that all he has said is true and will come to pass. Trusting is how we run the race. It's how we finish the race.
Therefore do not cast away your confidence, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: "For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him." Hebrews 10:36-38 New King James
Ephesians (chapter six) New King James Version
[10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
[11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
[12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
[13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (emphasis mine)
[14] Stand therefore, having girded yo waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
[15] and having shod your feet with the preparation of hte gospel of peace;
[16] above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one.
[17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
[18] praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints -
I understand that some readers object to my calling Jesus, God - and vice versa. But there is only one God, people. Just the one. So no matter what name you call him, he is still God. Call him what you are used to calling him. He will hear, I am sure. Call in in the honesty of your heart, and he will hear. I do not doubt that at all. God forgives. Not because he doesn't care about the sin, but because he cares more about you and me. Before he even created the world he made it possible for all of us to be forgiven for the sins we had yet to commit. My Bible says he did that by becoming Jesus Christ. You call him what you will. But do accept that God is offering you forgiveness, and a future.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
I Am Weak and Foolish
Did not read my scripture this morning. In fact, I don't believe I read it yesterday, either.
Been paging through the New Testament looking for a specific verse which has troubled my mind since I first read it back in the 1970s. Hadn't been able to find it, even using Strong's Concordance. Found it. At last. I was beginning to think I was remembering something that wasn't there. But here it is:
James (chapter three) Revised Standard Version
[1] Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, for you know that we who teach shall be judged with greater strictness.
[2] For we all make many mistakes, and if any one makes no mistakes in what he says he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also.
The reason I couldn't find it is because my Strong's Concordance is based on the King James Version, which I do not regularly read. I do read the New King James Version, but that has been modernized, too. This is how it reads in the King James Version.
[1] My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall received the greater condemnation.
[2] For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
By speaking out publicly, I make myself to be a teacher, and thus bring myself under the "stricture judgment", and "greater condemnation".
This bothers me. Often. But I so want people to know that God loves them. That God forgives them. That God wishes to talk and live with them.
To hear many television preachers these days one would get the impression that God insists on significant life changes in order to receive his love and forgiveness. But this just is not so.
Romans (chapter five) New King James Version
[5] Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
[6] For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
[7] For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.
[8] But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
[9] Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
And here it is in the King James Version.
[5] And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
[6] For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
[7] For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
[8] But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
[9] Much more than, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
It bothers me that I am not a stalwart of faith. I am not someone to whom others can look and say, "I wish I were at least like him." No. Anyone who aspires to be like me has low aspirations indeed. My consolation comes from 1 Corinthians.
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will thwart." Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the pwoer of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than me. For consider your call, brethren; not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth; but God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in th epresence of God. He is teh source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption; therefore, as it is written, "Let him who boasts, boast of the Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Revised Standard Version
Been paging through the New Testament looking for a specific verse which has troubled my mind since I first read it back in the 1970s. Hadn't been able to find it, even using Strong's Concordance. Found it. At last. I was beginning to think I was remembering something that wasn't there. But here it is:
James (chapter three) Revised Standard Version
[1] Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, for you know that we who teach shall be judged with greater strictness.
[2] For we all make many mistakes, and if any one makes no mistakes in what he says he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also.
The reason I couldn't find it is because my Strong's Concordance is based on the King James Version, which I do not regularly read. I do read the New King James Version, but that has been modernized, too. This is how it reads in the King James Version.
[1] My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall received the greater condemnation.
[2] For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
By speaking out publicly, I make myself to be a teacher, and thus bring myself under the "stricture judgment", and "greater condemnation".
This bothers me. Often. But I so want people to know that God loves them. That God forgives them. That God wishes to talk and live with them.
To hear many television preachers these days one would get the impression that God insists on significant life changes in order to receive his love and forgiveness. But this just is not so.
Romans (chapter five) New King James Version
[5] Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
[6] For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
[7] For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.
[8] But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
[9] Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
And here it is in the King James Version.
[5] And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
[6] For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
[7] For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
[8] But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
[9] Much more than, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
It bothers me that I am not a stalwart of faith. I am not someone to whom others can look and say, "I wish I were at least like him." No. Anyone who aspires to be like me has low aspirations indeed. My consolation comes from 1 Corinthians.
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will thwart." Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the pwoer of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than me. For consider your call, brethren; not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth; but God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in th epresence of God. He is teh source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption; therefore, as it is written, "Let him who boasts, boast of the Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Revised Standard Version
Friday, May 1, 2009
God's Eyes
The world is filled with broken people. I don't mean just because of the world's economic collapse. Millions of people are suffering due to finances, but that is not what I mean by being broken. Broken people are usually damaged at a young age, not adults. People who are lucky enough to make it to adulthood without being broken generally never have to worry. It's when we are young that we break. And I think we're breaking more young people than ever before.
How do we break people? By teaching them lies about what is important, who is important, and how to be important. We teach young girls that they have to have the right curves in the right proportions in the right places or they are homely, ugly, useless, and unwanted. We teach boys that they must be virile, strong, athletic, and financially well off or they are also useless, disgusting, and without any value.
The sad thing is that, because young people trust their parents, teachers, and other adults, they believe the lies. So when they are faced with the fact that they are not "pretty", athletic, ever going to be rich, they see themselves as failures. We teach most people that they are failures, and by the time they leave home they are convinced of it. And it's not just our own children we teach. We teach everyone.
Children don't just listen to what we tell them. They also watch how we live our lives. We tell them people are most important, and then they watch us ignore people in favor of money. We tell them God loves everyone, and then they hear us rail against the Democrats because they support abortion, or the gays, or some other group. We tell them America is a country of freedom, and then they watch as we support new laws to take away other people's liberty. We tell them we trust God, and they watch us panic and forget to even mention God when things get rough. We don't even wait for his response when we bother to ask. We try to do it all on our own.
So why shouldn't they break when they see that everything we truly hold dear in our lives are the things they are not?
I used to selfishly think I was in the minority, feeling worthless, useless, and completely without value because I am not pretty, wealthy, famous, charismatic, or a host of other things. But on-line I have met so many who suffer as much - or more - as me. My heart breaks for these people because - from the outside - I find I can see enough of what is inside them to know they are truly beautiful people. But they don't see it. They don't believe it when I tell them it is so. They've been lied to too many times by too many people. Like me, they are broken, and my efforts to help them all seem to fail.
I look at these people who are hurting so bad and wonder how anyone could possibly believe God does not love them. There's a gentleness about them. They are the poor in spirit.
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LOD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7 New King James
We don't even try to see with God's eyes anymore.
Matthew (chapter five) New King James
[3] 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 meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
[6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for 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 sons of God.
[10] Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
How do we break people? By teaching them lies about what is important, who is important, and how to be important. We teach young girls that they have to have the right curves in the right proportions in the right places or they are homely, ugly, useless, and unwanted. We teach boys that they must be virile, strong, athletic, and financially well off or they are also useless, disgusting, and without any value.
The sad thing is that, because young people trust their parents, teachers, and other adults, they believe the lies. So when they are faced with the fact that they are not "pretty", athletic, ever going to be rich, they see themselves as failures. We teach most people that they are failures, and by the time they leave home they are convinced of it. And it's not just our own children we teach. We teach everyone.
Children don't just listen to what we tell them. They also watch how we live our lives. We tell them people are most important, and then they watch us ignore people in favor of money. We tell them God loves everyone, and then they hear us rail against the Democrats because they support abortion, or the gays, or some other group. We tell them America is a country of freedom, and then they watch as we support new laws to take away other people's liberty. We tell them we trust God, and they watch us panic and forget to even mention God when things get rough. We don't even wait for his response when we bother to ask. We try to do it all on our own.
So why shouldn't they break when they see that everything we truly hold dear in our lives are the things they are not?
I used to selfishly think I was in the minority, feeling worthless, useless, and completely without value because I am not pretty, wealthy, famous, charismatic, or a host of other things. But on-line I have met so many who suffer as much - or more - as me. My heart breaks for these people because - from the outside - I find I can see enough of what is inside them to know they are truly beautiful people. But they don't see it. They don't believe it when I tell them it is so. They've been lied to too many times by too many people. Like me, they are broken, and my efforts to help them all seem to fail.
I look at these people who are hurting so bad and wonder how anyone could possibly believe God does not love them. There's a gentleness about them. They are the poor in spirit.
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LOD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7 New King James
We don't even try to see with God's eyes anymore.
Matthew (chapter five) New King James
[3] 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 meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
[6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for 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 sons of God.
[10] Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
