Jesus said that those who are persecuted for doing right will be blessed with the kingdom of heaven. This is a Truth that Jesus mastered throughout his ministry and his life. We are called to do the same. Are you willing to be followers of Jesus? Are you willing to be persecuted for doing right?

Jesus was called to be the "Prince of Peace", because his mission was to show us how to be the

"Prince of Peace", by demonstrating right relationship with God, ourselves and other people. In the Seventh beatitude, the sons and daughters of God are called to be "peacemakers". This week, in person and online, Reverend Bonnie Gardner asks "Are you reconciled to be a peacemaker?"

Jesus affirmed that the "pure in heart" will see God. To be "pure in heart," we must become more intimately acquainted with God, purify every aspect of our heart, and open our spiritual eyes. Let us learn how to be "pure in heart," and cultivate the art of seeing God.

In the fifth beatitude, we are being called to be masters of mercy. We are being called to be powerful emissaries of love and forgiveness. We are being called to be more like Jesus. Are you ready to accept God's call?

We are all created to hunger and thirst for that which nourishes and satisfies the body. But there is another aspect of your existence that also hungers and thirsts to be nourished and satisfied. Let us learn how to satisfy that higher aspect of our existence. Let us learn how to hunger and thirst for righteousness.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." Jesus was the epitome of meekness. As we follow his example, let us learn what it means to be meek and inherit the earth. Let us become living expressions of this third beatitude.

When Jesus said, "God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted", he wasn't just referring to grieving the loss of a loved one. Jesus was speaking on a deeper level. Let’s go within to discover and experience the true meaning of this second "beatitude."

As we celebrate our country’s independence, let us cultivate our spiritual independence. Let us begin to heal those aspect of our consciousness that are not totally free. Let us shift from the bondage of this human world and step into the true independence and freedom of God’s spiritual world. Let us learn to live in the consciousness of love.

Jesus was "the stairway between heaven and earth." He was the living expression of God's message to this world. Let us follow Jesus' example. Let us become living expressions of heaven on earth.

When we begin to experience tribulation, limitation, feelings of separation, and illness, it is because we have wandered away from the Father's House. We have become focused on our outer world and not on God. In those situations, we must return to the Father's House. God is waiting to receive you, with open arms.