The greatest lesson we can learn from examining the life of David—shepherd, warrior, king, psalmist—is that, despite his sins, he was truly a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). In the first of this new series, we’re introduced to David as someone the Lord has set apart for his faithfulness, for his character, for his courage, but especially, for his heart. Get ready to learn from David’s life!

For the Christian, persecution is a good sign. I know I’m living that Blessed life when I’m living the persecuted life. But what’s critical about this passage is that it’s persecution for the right reason. It’s the persecution that comes from shining the light of Christ in a dark world. That kind of persecution, Jesus promises, comes with a great reward and will always end well—always!

For the Christian, persecution is a good sign. I know I’m living that Blessed life when I’m living the persecuted life. But what’s critical about this passage is that it’s persecution for the right reason. It’s the persecution that comes from shining the light of Christ in a dark world. That kind of persecution, Jesus promises, comes with a great reward and will always end well—always!

The Blessed Life is the heart longing for God. Today we see that Jesus loves you so much that He won’t settle for half, or most of you—He must have all. Before God wants to use you, He wants your whole, undivided heart. And there’s no question that the devotion of the heart that’s pure will be undefiled and undivided. So the more you long for God, the more your heart can see God—and the more you will be satisfied in life!

The Blessed Life is the heart longing for God. Today we see that Jesus loves you so much that He won’t settle for half, or most of you—He must have all. Before God wants to use you, He wants your whole, undivided heart. And there’s no question that the devotion of the heart that’s pure will be undefiled and undivided. So the more you long for God, the more your heart can see God—and the more you will be satisfied in life!

As we continue in Psalm 5 we discover the next 3 ingredients in this recipe for rejoicing. In part 1 we considered David's example that calls us to earnest prayer and purity before God which ultimately leads to joy, even in the midst of crisis. The truth of God's steadfast love, mercy and grace changes the life of the believer, refocuses perspective and redirects pursuits. In the face of persecution and trial, be encouraged by today's message knowing that for those who love God, he will always work things together for good and for his glory!

The one who receives mercy and extends mercy is the one who is truly happy. To fully grasp this beautiful Beatitude, I must understand the meaning of mercy. Then, I must comprehend the mercy I have received so that I might extend the mercy I’ve been given—and that’s merry mercy!

The one who receives mercy and extends mercy is the one who is truly happy. To fully grasp this beautiful Beatitude, I must understand the meaning of mercy. Then, I must comprehend the mercy I have received so that I might extend the mercy I’ve been given—and that’s merry mercy!

Hunger for the Lord is the single greatest proof you know the Lord. In fact, there is no spiritual growth apart from spiritual hunger. The first three Beatitudes are about emptying ourselves. Today’s is about filling ourselves with what is good—I must hunger for that which truly satisfies. I must hunger and thirst for righteousness—the one and only meal that truly satisfies!

Hunger for the Lord is the single greatest proof you know the Lord. In fact, there is no spiritual growth apart from spiritual hunger. The first three Beatitudes are about emptying ourselves. Today’s is about filling ourselves with what is good—I must hunger for that which truly satisfies. I must hunger and thirst for righteousness—the one and only meal that truly satisfies!