We fear and avoid suffering, but it is a privilege to suffer for Christ.  The reward is the Kingdom of Heaven.

After Hallelujah, Shalom is probably the best-known Jewish word.  It is the hunger and desire of Jews everywhere, and God promises a blessing for those who make peace.

<VIDEO LINK>
Ministry, like anything else, is made up of the good, the bad, and the ugly. Don't let the bad and the ugly keep you from experiencing the good times of ministry.

A blessing for the pure in heart seems to rule me out from the very beginning.  But Jesus didn’t speak these words to tell us blessings we cannot receive.  We can and should strive to be pure in heart.

Baptism is an initiation rite, a believer’s declaration of faith and act of obedience, and a necessary step in discipleship. 

Mercy includes both forgiveness and charity.  If we are givers of these when we can be, we will be receivers when we need to be.

This is a fallen world; and many of us live like we belong in a fallen world.  God has a blessing for those who hunger for the righteousness this world lacks. 

‘Fortune favors the brave,’ we all know that.  If you want something, you have to reach out and take it.  You climb the ladder of success over the backs of others.  The meek will inherit the earth.  One of these things is not like the others.  And that one is the correct answer. 

God blesses those who care about the suffering of others. 

Today we start a journey through the Sermon on the Mount; with the first of the Beatitudes; God blesses the humble.