Victorious Living

What I Learned in 2024: What Time is it?

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What time is it?

A New Year Begins.

Welcome to 2025!  As is my habit with WordBytes in January, I’d like to share with you my key learnings from 2024.

I am a learner by nature.  I especially LOVE to read and study God’s Word.  Through writing WordBytes and daily journaling, I capture my thoughts and share my emotions with the Lord.  I write, scribble, cut and paste; highlight,  and redline.  I use many symbols to capture what God is revealing to me in our time together.  My journal is my personal creative mess!

As I read my quarterly journals for 2024, there emerged several key themes that I’d like to share in this year’s learning.  All revolved around the idea of “time”.   Not the time we use to calculate intervals of a day (chronos time), but the appointed time in the purpose of God (karios time).

2024 was the “karios time” to receive the message God wanted to share with me, not only for my spiritual growth and development, but also to build my resilience for 21st century living (Esther 4:14).

A Time for examination.

2024 was a time to examine myself and see if I was still in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). Was my heart “divided”?  Was I attempting to serve God AND the world?  Who and what dominated my time and my resources?  Was I being conformed to the image of Christ? (Romans 8:29)

In his book, Resilient: Restoring Your Weary Soul in these Turbulent Times, John Eldredge reminded me of this fact.

Maturity is no longer optional, dear ones; wholeheartedness is no longer something we can go without.  Those vulnerabilities in us prove treacherous in this world, like a faulty bridge or a bow that is not properly strung.

With all the distractions and competition for my attention, was I still faithfully following Christ? I needed to daily acknowledge Jesus as Lord of my life and totally commit to follow Him.

A Time to surrender.

Surrender is an unpopular word usually associated with defeat.  But with God, surrender takes on a new meaning.  Surrendering to God, makes possible, what is impossible without Him.

I foolishly believed that my efforts shaped me into the person God created me to be.  It is the Holy Spirit within me that does the work (Philippians 2:13).

In his book, Absolute Surrender, A.W. Tozer, shares this thought about my role in surrendering.

A life of absolute surrender has its difficulties.  I do not deny that.  Yes, it has something far more than difficulties: it is a life that with man is absolutely impossible.  But by the grace of God, by the power of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, it is a life to which we are destined, and a life that is possible for us, praise God!

It is my honor to surrender “everything and everyone” to the Lord.  I have come to the reality that without Jesus, I can do nothing (John 15:5).  God alone knows where I am, where I need to be, and what it will take to get me to where He wants me to be.  It is my job to surrender.

A Time to go deeper into God’s love.

As a child, I was taught the song, “Jesus loves me”.  However, I did not fully understand the depth of that love until I experienced the joy and pain of living in this fallen world.  Through both good and bad times, I have experienced the love of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:16-20)

As I read W. Phillip Keller’s book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, I was amazed at the uncanny similarities between the work of the shepherd and Jesus’ work in the life of human sheep.

It is a tragic truth, that many people who really have never come under God’s direction and management claim that “The Lord is my shepherd”.  They hope that by merely admitting that he is their Shepherd, they might somehow enjoy the benefits of His care and management without paying the price of forfeiting their own fickle and foolish way of life.

Jesus is my Good Shepherd (John 10:14) who loves me and cares for me even in my disobedience, and my foolishness. Jesus makes me lie down, restores my soul, and leads me. His love for me is extraordinary.

MOMENTS OF MINDFULNESS

Time to reflect on today’s session.  Feel free to share your remarks at https://www.itwministries.org.

What have you learned in 2024?   What things will you leave behind that won’t be helpful in your 2025 journey?  What things has God revealed that will help you achieve a richer life in Christ in 2025? 

Victorious Living

Living the Beatitude Life: A Heart to See God

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A Heart to See God

Intentional teaching

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”  As a little girl, Matthew 5:8 was one of the first memory verses I was taught.  I can’t explain the reason for the choice of this verse.  Perhaps my mother felt it would help tame my mischievous spirit.  She was very intentional when it came to her children.  Little did I realize that my mother’s guidance would lead to a fuller vision of God and His Kingdom.

Jesus was also intentional in His teachings.  The Beatitudes, both in unity and individually, radically flew in the face of how the world defined happiness, satisfaction, and success: poor in spirit, mourners, meek, merciful, hungry and thirsty.

Jesus’ purposefulness is seen in His presentation of each of the beatitudes, especially with the placement of this sixth beatitude, “Blessed are the pure in heart.”  Today’s beatitude is no exception to this teaching pattern.  It redefines purity and the resulting blessedness of “seeing God.”

Jesus knows what’s needed.

Jesus has to this point shared with His Disciples key behaviors of those who enjoy the “happiness and satisfaction” of living by kingdom rules.

In reading this beatitude today, one might comment on its simplicity in meaning and presentation.  However, in the context of the 1st century, Jesus’ statement was revolutionary.  Jesus presented it to a nation literally obsessed with purification laws and procedures (Leviticus 11-15).

Imagine the shock of hearing Jesus.  “No one, not even Moses, has ever seen Jehovah God!”    “Purity of heart and nothing else?”   This alone was sufficient reason for the scribes and the Pharisees (who benefited from the current religious system) to desire Jesus’ death.

The heart’s role in purity.

The heart is key in sustaining a faithful walk with God.  Its condition (pure or unpure) affects our thoughts, behaviors, and actions.   In the Old Testament, the Lord described the heart, the seat of man’s affection, as “deceitful above all things and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9).  David understood the importance of purity of heart as he pleaded with God to create a clean heart and renew a right spirit within him (Psalms 51:10).

Who are the “pure in heart”?

  • Those who mourn the impurity of their hearts to the extent that they do what is needed to cleanse and purify it (Matthew 4:17; 1 John 1:9).  When standing in the presence of Holy God, we understand our personal depravity and the need for forgiveness (Romans 3:23).
  • Those who accept God’s lordship in their lives. They place Jesus as the center of their life.  The pure in heart “see” God spiritually.  They operate in His presence, under His authority, and to His honor and glory (Coram Deo).

“Seeing God” in this beatitude allows us to recognize and acknowledge God’s sovereign acts of mercy and grace in this fallen world we live in (Matthew 5:45).  We are able to see “His Hand” both physically (Acts 17:28) and spiritually (Romans 6:6-9).

Our 21st century challenge

Seeing God is a challenge for people living in the 21st century.  Nonbelievers are blinded by Satan who keeps them from seeing the possibilities that Christ offers (John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 4:4).    Beatitude living is at enmity with a world that neither recognizes nor accepts the authority of God, the lordship of Christ, or the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Unfortunately, we believers aren’t always the best witnesses for Beatitude living.  Satan convinces many of us that purity of the heart is impossible.  Again, a trick by Satan to frustrate and discourage our efforts to live holy. We fail to understand that it is the work of the Holy Spirit who will always lead us to purity.  God is not seeking perfection but progress:  a sincere effort to grow and love others.

As children of God, we have everything we need to live pure and holy lives (2 Peter 1:3; 1 John 3:2-3).  Our pursuit of purity can become “second nature”.    How?   By spending more time with God:  reading His Word, meditating, and prayer.  The more we do this, the more we will see God.

“Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature]

are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character],

for they will see God.” (Amplified)

 

Advent/Christmas

New Year. New Beginnings?

 

New Year. New Beginnings?

The New Year

The new year has arrived with festive gatherings and events.  Some of us have, as is our habit, made “traditional” New Year’s resolutions (which will be quickly abandoned in 30 days or less).

It is my prayer as we prepare for 2025 with new beginnings, that we also evaluate our spiritual growth and progress.  Are we growing closer to God or are we subtly drifting away?

In 2024, where did we spend our time and our resources?  Did we invest in things eternal (Matthew 6: 19-20) or put our hope in things that reflect the values of this world: power, influence, and material wealth?

As we move into this new year, let us remember that we are new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Let’s let go of those “old things”.  Let’s rediscover and embrace our identity in Christ.

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”

Christ’s work of redemption presents us with the opportunity to experience a new beginning with God. No longer separated by sin, we can now be reconciled with God and enjoy peace with our fellowman (Romans 5:1). To experience this new beginning, we must first possess a clear understanding of our new identity in Christ (1 John 5:4).

Identity is the condition of being a specific person or thing. Our personal identity is the result of the people, places, and things we connect or associate with. This is also true of our spiritual identity. What is feeding our identity in the 21st century?

While personal identity looks at outward influences, spiritual identity, however, looks at two things: (1) the Person of Jesus Christ and (2) the Place of the Cross.

“Old things have passed away.”

Jesus Christ took on our physical identity (in his fleshly body) so that we can become partakers of his spiritual identity (Hebrew 12:14-15). This divine incarnation resulted in the perfect sacrifice required to satisfy the penalty for sin.  In exchange, we have eternal life and are now children of God (Romans 8:16).

In the shadow of the Cross, we leave our old nature and become crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). We die to sin and its hold upon our life (Romans 6:11). It is in His resurrection, that we received new life for our new beginning.

 “Behold, all things have become new.”

Let’s flip the switch in 2025 and consider what God has invested in us.  Our responsibility is to daily live out the new identity Christ has provided. Once we fully grasp that, we are positioned to receive “all the fullness of God” (John 1:16).

Our hope and assurance rests fully on the completed work of Jesus Christ.  HE IS our New Beginning (Colossians 1:18).

Advent/Christmas

Christmas 2024 Throwback Wednesday

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2024 Christmas Throwback Wednesday

Jesus is The Reason for the season

We are taking a pause from “Living the Beatitude Life” series, to prepare for one of the most important event in the life of the believer.  It is the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We have prepared for this event during the Advent Season.  We have focused on hope, peace, joy, and love.  These elements of the Advent season help to build our anticipation of the arrival of Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us.

And like John the Baptist in the womb of his mother, Elizabeth, our hearts leap with joy, recognizing Jesus’ presence with us (Luke 1:44).

As we celebrate Christmas 2024, it is a good time to revisit Christmas devotions that have hit the “most favorite” list, during this past decade.  Therein lies our special Christmas Throwback Wednesday reading, “Our Lord’s Coming”.

Victorious Living

Living the Beatitude Life: In Search of Righteousness

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Living the Beatitude Life: Seeking Righteousness

The search for something better.

In the movie The Pursuit of Happyness, Will Smith plays Chris Gardner, a desperate individual endeavoring to save his family from dire circumstances created by his lack of employment and subsequent homelessness.

Chris is given the opportunity for a job on Wall Street by a benevolent mentor who sees in him, not only hidden talent, but a “hunger and thirst” for a better life.

When Jesus spoke of hungering and thirsting for righteousness, He knew the impact “kingdom living” would have on individuals in search of a “better life”.  Jesus saw individuals who were spiritually hungry, starved by the empty promises of this world.  The result was emaciated spirits and dry souls.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6   (NRS)

To be righteous (dikaios), in a broad sense, describes man as God had originally created him to be—one whose way of thinking, feeling, and acting is wholly conformed to the will of God.

As believers, our righteousness is not from us but is the imputed (credited) righteousness of Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1).  The desire to live  righteously before God is only possible by Jesus Christ’s presence within believers through the Holy Spirit.  It is the Holy Spirit that gives us the ability to live right and to do right (Ezekiel 36:25-27; Phil. 2:13).

Seek first the kingdom of God. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

To “seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness” establishes the right priority for the believer.

With the many enticements and distractions offered by the world, it is easy to understand the lukewarm commitment to the things of God—even within the church.  But God demands our love and our loyalty as we seek to live for the furtherance of the kingdom of God.

The Apostle Peter reminded persecuted believers of their “new priority” as a result of Christ’s sacrificial death.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.  (1 Peter 2:24)

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same thought, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,  so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer by human passions but by the will of God.  (1 Peter 4:1-2)

An Invitation.

Jesus’ invitation to righteousness was an opportunity for a new way of living for 1st century believers.  Believers’ lives were no longer marked by hypocrisy and corruption as seen in the lives of the ruling religious leaders.  Instead, Jesus invited those who sought God’s righteousness to simply “Come” (Matt. 11:28-30).  This invitation would resonate with individuals in familiar terms they could easily understand—hunger and thirst.

To “hunger and thirst” for God’s righteousness indicates a strong craving that becomes the driving force in our life.  The Psalmist captured this fervent yearning in Psalms 42:1-3:

As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?  My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me continually, “Where is your God?”

Hunger and Thirst.

While hunger and thirst are terms typically used to express basic human needs, the hunger and thirst that Jesus describes is different.  This beatitude depicts a “spiritual hunger and thirst” that finds no satisfaction in the physical realm.  And what is the effect of this yearning?  “It is filled!”

The world is at enmity with those seeking the righteousness of God.  In spite of the persecution we may encounter or the rejection we may face, it is imperative that we stand firm and give the world the reason for our hope—a living hope that is realized both now and in eternity future (1 Pet. 3:15).

Our culture continues to seek answers to the moral and social problems of our day using man’s wisdom.   Such efforts are “senseless striving” without first desperately seeking God’s righteousness.

Victorious Living

Living the Beatitude Life: Meekness and Kingdom Living

Living the Beatitude Life: Meekness and Kingdom Living

Counterculture thinking.

The Beatitudes illustrate the behaviors and resulting “blessedness” that belongs to believers living by kingdom rules.  These behaviors were “counterculture”, not only in the first century, but even more so today.

Last week we explored the blessedness in “mourning and comforting”.  Mourning is the “sincere sorrow” we experience when we realize the impact of sin in our life.  Comfort is the result of knowing that Jesus Christ has delivered us not only from the penalty of sin (death) but also provided the means for ongoing cleansing (1 John 1:9).

We continue our exploration into the Beatitudes with the third proclamation by Jesus from his Sermon on the Mount.  “Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth.”  (Matthew 5:5)

What is meekness?

Meekness (praus) is typically used to describe one whose disposition is gentle or mild. It has also been described as “power under control”.

Jesus described Himself as “gentle and lowly” (Matthew 11:29) yet He was the Creator of the universe.  John Killinger in his classic, Letting God Bless You, describes how Jesus’ life truly depicted “power under control”.

When folks got the idea of starting a movement that would make Him an earthly king, Jesus slipped away to be alone and to pray. While he commended the use of riches to help the poor, he himself never had much in the way of earthly goods-apparently not even a home to call his own or an extra change of raiment.

When he was preparing to leave his closest friends, he took a bowl of water and a towel and got down on his knees to wash their feet, insisting that they learn to live through serving one another, not by sitting in the places of honor. Betrayed by a follower who led the police to his prayer spot in Gethsemane, he kissed the follower and bade his friends not to raise their swords.

Brought before Pilate and Caiaphas, he saw the uselessness of protest and fell into creative silence. Crucified between two criminals, he spoke kindly to the one with an open heart and forgave the soldiers who had followed orders in carrying out his execution. He didn’t have to be this way. He didn’t have to submit to such mistreatment.

Meekness rewarded.

Jesus stated that meekness would result in inheriting the earth.  “A land” was promised to the people of Israel.  What earth or land was to be inherited? Some scholars believe the land refers to the Promised Land originally pledged to the patriarchs of the Old Testament (Genesis 12:7; 24:7; 26:3; 28:13). Others say it is the future Millennial Kingdom described in Revelations 20:1-10.

But acquiring a land signified much more than a possession.  It implied a sense of place, security, and an inheritance from God.  These promises will be realized with the second coming of the Messiah, when there will be a new heaven and a new earth (Revelations 21:1).  The new earth will not be possessed by the powerful despots, the ruthless tyrants, or the manipulative schemers. It will be possessed by the meek.

This promise of a land is also for us believers who are benefiting from the New Covenant.  It will be fulfilled in a far more glorious way than anyone could imagine.  This is our living hope for today (1 Timothy 4:10; Titus 2:13).

How does one become meek?

Meekness and gentleness and goodness are part of the fruit of the Spirit.  They are produced in the Christian by the Holy Spirit.

To cultivate a spirit of meekness, we are encouraged to walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:24-25).  That means we are controlled by the Spirit of God.  This will result in our being conformed to the image of Christ including His meekness.

The Gospel narratives of Jesus’ life shared what meekness in action looks like. Jesus could have called down angels to take his side in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:53). But, for all of this, he was a meek man, a man after the heart of God, a man from the heart of God. Let us follow Jesus’ glorious example. Let us seek meekness.

Victorious Living

Living the Beatitude Life: Comforted Mourners

Beatitude rewards.

The reward in studying the Beatitudes is not simply in acquiring knowledge that will improve our spiritual or moral character.  It is also an opportunity to gain insight into the nature of God and the extraordinary kingdom God has designed for our lives.

The “blessedness” described in the Beatitudes affirms a quality of life that is already present with more to be fully realized in eternity future.  In exploring the key propositions set forth within the Beatitudes, we discover the blessedness of “kingdom living”.

Blessedness recapped.

“Blessed” literally means “happy”.  As we discovered earlier in this series, this “happiness” is not the same as that offered by the world. Worldly happiness is dependent on circumstances or material possessions.  In contrast, kingdom happiness is authentic joy that accrues to a believer who shares in the salvation of the kingdom of heaven.

Our “happiness” [as believers} transcends the world’s definition.  It is anchored to our belief and trust in God (Hebrews 6:19).  It results in inner satisfaction and sufficiency that is not dependent on outward circumstances. This is the reality that allows us to thrive even while living in this fallen world.

“Blessedness” is not a function of positive psychology nor is it a product of positive thinking.  It is the reality of living in God’s presence, under God’s protection, and appreciating God’s provision.    Today’s beatitude is a prime example of this reality of kingdom living (Matthew 5: 4).

Blessed in mourning?

Mourning is not the usual activity we associate with happiness.  Why did Jesus choose to use mourning as a topic to include in this beatitude?

Mourning is a universal expression of deep sorrow and grief, usually associated with death or loss.    Like “poor in spirit” has nothing to do with finances in Matthew 5:3, “mourning and comforting”, in this beatitude, has nothing to do with death or loss.  This mourning is “mourning over sin”. Once we truly comprehend the impact of sin on our lives and on our relationship with God, there is much reason to mourn.

Paul spoke of this as “godly sorrow”.  This sorrow produces repentance, leading to salvation without regret (2 Corinthians 7:10).  Much too often we are burdened by unconfessed sin in our life.  It results in emotional and spiritual scarring.  Satan then uses guilt and shame to further enslave our lives.

 Where is the blessing in mourning?

Happiness comes in the “comfort” which God provides through His forgiveness and salvation. Mourning our sinful state drives us into the arms of Jesus Christ, Who is the source of our forgiveness and salvation (Isaiah 40:1, 2).

This “happiness” occurs initially when we accept Jesus as our Savior.  It continues daily as we confess new sins that we have committed (Matthew 6:12; 1 John 1:9).  There is comfort in knowing that our sins are forgiven, and we are in right relationship with the Lord (Ephesians 2:11-13).

Mourning leads to comfort:  forgiveness, salvation, and restoration. We thank God for the comfort He has provided us through Jesus Christ.

The end result of mourning:  comforting. 

The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) gives us an excellent model of “godly sorrow” and “mourning”.  The prodigal mourned his disobedience that led to his “sinful state”: “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee” (v. 18).

His “godly sorrow” and confession (v. 21) then led to reconciliation and “comfort” from his father: “Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:  And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry” (vv. 22, 23).

In 2024, Jesus continues to be the blessed comfort promised to us who mourn over our sins.

 

Spiritual Maturity

Psalms for Thanksgiving 2024

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Thanksgiving 2024

On Thursday,  we will celebrate Thanksgiving—again.  As we prepare to join with friends and family during this time of gratitude and appreciation, my question is “what are we thankful for this year?”

For an answer, the Holy Spirit guided me to the Psalms.  The Psalms are recognized for their ability to capture the feelings and emotions of people “doing life”.  With that in mind, I’d like to share three psalms, Psalms 105-107, in gratitude for Thanksgiving 2024.

Begin with the end in mind

The opening lines of Psalms 105-107, “Oh give thanks to the LORD,” links together this trilogy of songs which praise God for His goodness and mercy to Israel.  Psalm 105 and 106, possibly originated by command of David to Asaph on the occasion when the ark of the covenant was first brought to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:12-19); Psalm 107 most likely were written during the post-Exilic period, that timeframe after the seventy-year period of Babylonian captivity.

As I read these psalms today, it is evident that their strength and intensity lie in their ability to present events of the past clearly and unabridged.  By communicating them to future generations, the nation of Israel would make sure that they would never forget what God had done for them and would result in unending praise to Him.

Psalm 105 remembered and praised God for His eternal faithfulness.

“He remembers His covenant forever, The Word which He commanded, for a thousand generations” (Psalm 105:8).  Israel’s covenant relationship with God gave them “favor” as the seed of Abraham and children of Jacob.  That covenant guaranteed God would both protect and provide for His own people.  It began in time past and is still promised to the nation of Israel in the 21st century.  God is “not a man that He should lie…as He spoken it, He will make it good” (Num. 23:19).

God’s faithfulness is extended to believers today through Jesus Christ, the Mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance (Heb. 9:15).  He will do everything He promised and more (Ep. 3:20).

Psalm 106 remembered and praised God for His certain forgiveness.

“We have sinned…committed iniquity…done wickedly.  Nevertheless He saved them for His name’s sake…” (Psalm 106:6-8)   Israel’s history is replete with accounts of their disobedience and turning away from Jehovah God.  Sometimes it took the form of idolatry; other times it was willful wickedness and rebellion.  Wherever they found themselves, the nation of Israel quickly forgot God and adopted the sinful patterns of their neighbors (v. 13).But God always extended mercy to them.

Believers today are blessed that we can ask God for forgiveness of our sins and He will faithfully and instantaneously forgive (1 John 1:9).  There is no need for the blood of bulls and goals or heifers (Hebrews 9:13-14).  Jesus paid it all that we might freely receive forgiveness.

Psalm 107 remembered and praised God for His great works of deliverance.

“Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy…and He delivered them out of their distresses.  And He led them forth by the right way…” (Psalm 107:2-7).

In God’s faithfulness and because of His forgiveness, He would continually show Himself strong on behalf of His people (2 Chronicles 16:9).  His works of deliverance would save them from their enemies (vv. 1-3), their sinful consequences (vv. 4-22) and the other storms in their national life (vv. 23-29).  And with that deliverance, came unmerited blessings—“wildernesses would be turned to pools of water and dry land into watersprings.”

Today, God continues to be our strength and very present help in time of trouble (Ps. 46:1).  He has delivered us, does deliver us, and we trust will still deliver us” (2 Cor. 1:10).

Your Thanksgiving Psalm

This Thanksgiving, create your own psalm in honor of God’s love and provision.  Know that He loves you with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3).

Sing praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who demonstrated His love for us.  Even while we were in sin, He died for us that we might have everlasting life (Rom. 5:8).    Praise the Lord and give thanks!

Victorious Living

Living the Beatitude Life: Kingdom Rich

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Reality living in God’s Kingdom

If the television industry is to be remembered for anything, it will be the birth of “reality” programming.  Since its entrance into our entertainment schedule, the number of reality shows and spin offs have grown exponentially compared with other television venues.   While these programs are marketed as “reality”, the truth of the matter is that their plots are carefully staged. Their view of reality was no more than “staged possibility”.

However, when Jesus stated that, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God,” (Matthew 5:3), He was presenting to the world a new reality.  A reality that was both available and possible to those who accepted Him as their Lord and Savior.  Upon accepting Christ’s invitation, believers become citizens of His kingdom and usher in a new reality for living.

The Believer’s reality

The promises (the blessedness) of the Beatitudes are available to believers only.  In fact, to unbelievers the propositions put forth in the Beatitudes appear illogical and irrational.  This should not surprise us.  The preaching of Christ (and His teachings) is “to them that are perishing foolishness” (1 Corinthians 1:18).  The world’s wisdom is based on the standards of a different king.  His name is Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4).

The believer’s reality is not based on man’s wisdom, but on that which the Holy Ghost teaches.  The natural man (unbeliever) cannot understand these things because they are spiritually discerned.  The privilege of the poor in spirit and the possession of the kingdom of heaven are reserved only for those who believe (1 Corinthians 2:12-14).

Privilege and possession

The privilege of being poor in spirit comes from understanding the need for salvation AND a Savior.  In recognizing our sinfulness and depravity, our poverty of spirit is exposed.  We cry out like Paul, “Oh wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”  (Romans 7:24) The reality of our personal brokenness should not drive us to increased darkness.  Instead, it should invite us to the life-giving light of Jesus.  It is there that true forgiveness is possible, and spiritual transformation can begin (Colossians 1:20-22).

The possession of the kingdom of heaven can only be properly understood by knowing the King.  As believers, our reality acknowledges that our Lord and King is Jesus Christ.   In Him, we live, move, and have our meaning (Acts 17:28).  God is transcendent (beyond or above the range of human experience) and omniscient (everywhere all the time).  We live continually in His presence.  While Jesus reigns exalted with God in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:20), His rule still extends to us as we physically live in this fallen world.

Why are believers happy?

First, because we know our sins have been forgiven (Ephesians 1:7).  We no longer need to hide in the shame and the fear of our past lives.  Jesus has made it possible for us to become part of the citizenship of heaven (1 Peter 2:9).  This position comes with both privilege and power that exceed any temporary position we might hold on earth.

Second, believers not only enjoy benefits as citizens of God’s kingdom now but look forward to even more blessings in eternity (Ephesians 2:12, 18,19).   It is this reality that incent us to live holy and soberly within His kingdom (Titus 2:12).

Finally, the believer’s position in God’s kingdom can never be withdrawn or loss.  Nothing can separate us from God’s presence.  Our present and future realities are guaranteed.  It has been secured by the blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:18)

Living the “beatitude life” makes us kingdom rich. It results in peace that passes all understanding, indescribable joy, and love that covers a multitude of sins.  The Beatitudes witness to the extraordinary gifts that awaits us who live faithfully for Jesus.

Victorious Living

Living the Beatitude Life: An Introduction

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Living the Beatitude Life: An Introduction

A Return n to the Familiar.

Last week we shared our thoughts on peacemaking.  We used the Sermon on the Mount, more specifically, The Beatitudes, that are found in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 5:3-12).   Why did we choose them for our teaching?

While the behaviors outlined in the Beatitudes may not conform to the current “worldview”, they are none the less valid and profitable.  The Beatitudes are foundational truths for righteous living that transcend time.

21st century living through the lens of the Beatitudes is a challenge, to say the least.  They are counterculture, counter-intuitive, and just plain hard.  While living the “Beatitude life” may appear difficult, it is worth the effort in the end.

The key to living the Beatitude Life is in our understanding their benefits.   For the next few weeks, we will examine the Beatitudes and the “blessings” available to us right now.

“Nothing new under the sun.”

We believe the teachings contained in the Beatitudes are relevant and desirable for 21st century believers.  The behaviors described in the Beatitudes represent what life “in Christ” looks like in relationship to God and with our fellowman.

In Ecclesiastes 1:9, Solomon stated that “there was nothing new under the sun”.  He was not referring to the normal changes that occur over time in society.  We are continually learning and integrating new technology and innovation into our world.

What has not changed is the heart of man (Jeremiah17:9).  The influence of the world, of sin and the pulling of our flesh continues (1 John 2:16-17).  Time has not lessened the need for God’s plan of salvation.  Justification, regeneration, and sanctification—are needed as much in AD 2024 as they were needed in 1 AD.  The need will continue until Christ returns.

Supernatural power needed.

Once we become new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), we no longer are expected to live by the world’s dictates.  Instead, we are to pursue a righteous lifestyle like that demonstrated by Jesus Christ.

The behaviors chronicled in the Beatitudes, however, are not developed in the flesh.  They are supernaturally enabled.  Some believe the Beatitudes are behaviors we should strive to achieve.  No amount of striving can accomplish each of these controversial behaviors.  They are only possible through the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

Without the presence of the Holy Spirit, the Beatitudes make no sense, especially to the unredeemed world.  It is this third person of the Godhead that is responsible for the transforming work needed to live out the behaviors described in the Beatitudes (Philippians 2:13).

Stormie Omartian clarifies our response to the Holy Spirit’s power.

Know that once we have received Jesus, we can’t continue to live our old sinful lifestyle. Now that we have His Holy Spirit living in us, guiding us, and transforming us, we have no excuse.

Beatitude living is “supernatural living” that flows from a life lived in obedience to and trust in God.  Our behavior is reframed to see God and others with the eyes of Christ.

We’re not home yet.

The Beatitudes remind us that this world is not our final place of residency.   The kingdom of heaven is the reward that Jesus wants us to focus on.  In an age of instant gratification, rewards that come later are not usually sought after.

Knowing that we are “strangers and pilgrims” in this world, we must turn our attention to things that have eternal value (Colossians 3:1-2).  Therefore, we live in this world with different expectations on how life is to be lived.  Unfortunately, many believers, like unbelievers, focus on “life in this time” rather than “eternity with God”.

The Beatitudes are “rules of engagement” for followers of Christ. They are intimidating and antagonistic to accepted practices and beliefs of the world. True satisfaction and peace are only possible through Jesus Christ.  It is through Christ’s “blessedness” that true satisfaction and peace can be experienced—both now and through eternity.