Matthew 5:9 "Family Resemblance" (Blessed Week 7)

Matthew 5:9 "Family Resemblance" (Blessed Week 7)

 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” ESV “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” NIV My second-born son came into the world a little...
Matthew 5:8 "The Pure Mess" (Blessed Week 6)

Matthew 5:8 "The Pure Mess" (Blessed Week 6)

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” ESV “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” NIV Nobody strived for purity more than the Pharisees. Convinced they were...
Matthew 5:7 "The Deserving Son" (Blessed Week 5)

Matthew 5:7 "The Deserving Son" (Blessed Week 5)

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” ESV “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” NIV Mercy is able to redeem the rebellious, but it’s what offends the self-righteous. Stay...
Matthew 5:6 "Hungry for More" (Blessed Week 4)

Matthew 5:6 "Hungry for More" (Blessed Week 4)

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (ESV) “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (NIV) Unsurprisingly, I’ve never met someone...
Matthew 5:5 "Meekness Not Weakness" (Blessed Week 3)

Matthew 5:5 "Meekness Not Weakness" (Blessed Week 3)

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (ESV) “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (NIV)   Defining meekness is not an easy feat, and to truly understand it,...
Matthew 5:4 "The Great Comforter." (Blessed Week 2)

Matthew 5:4 "The Great Comforter." (Blessed Week 2)

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (ESV) “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (NIV)   Jesus is introducing this marvelous kingdom, one that is upside-down from what...
Matthew 5:3 "Spiritual Beggar" (Blessed Week 1)

Matthew 5:3 "Spiritual Beggar" (Blessed Week 1)

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (ESV) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (NIV)   Two hungry beggars sit on the...
1 Peter 1:9 "Bright Hope for Tomorrow" (Perseverance Week 4)

1 Peter 1:9 "Bright Hope for Tomorrow" (Perseverance Week 4)

obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (ESV) for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (NIV) Your faith in Christ is many things. ...
1 Peter 1:8b "Inexpressible Joy" (Perseverance Week 3)

1 Peter 1:8b "Inexpressible Joy" (Perseverance Week 3)

Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. (ESV) and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him...