Listen to this woman’s Easter story. Like each of our story, hers begins with an ending. Her story is a reminder of the resurrection promise fulfilled. A reminder that through Jesus, we are reunited with God. Victory over all things is available and if death has no power to separate us from God, nothing can. […]
Archives
the Pure in Heart
Masks are a way for us to deflect and conceal our identity as well as our thoughts and feelings from the outside world. Our words can mask our true feelings, words like ‘fine’ in place of the troubles of our heart. But Jesus clearly states that “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will […]
Reckless Mercy
Step up to the #MercyChallenge – after all “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Christ shows mercy to each of us, and tells us to do the same. We are to be merciful. Showing mercy requires that we step into the eyes and minds of those around us in need; […]
Thirsty for God
We return this week to the beatitudes, the fourth in the series with this ‘simple’ message: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled;” (Matthew 5:6). Though this may sound simple, you can quickly take a look at your life and ask yourself – Do I truly thirst for […]
Tragedy to Victory
This is a family story. It is a story of three brothers: Jason, Micah, and Matt. This is a story of personal struggle and great loss. This is also a story of an amazing God and unbelievable grace. This is a story of redemption that is freely available to all through Christ Jesus. This is a […]
Wild Horses
We often interchange meekness with weakness, which can lead to some misunderstandings of “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). In this third beatitude, Jesus lays out the next goal for his followers: to chose to allow God to reign in our lives. These are the meek. Jesus showed what meekness […]
Cut to the Heart
Have you ever done wrong, knowing it was wrong and not caring or changing your ways? Acknowledging our sin can be easy. Feeling our sin however can be a great struggle. Jesus laid out the first step – lay down your pride and let in my love – in Matthew 5:3. The next step though can cut to […]
At the end of your rope
Have you ever felt so lost that you were just barely holding on to the end of your rope? Been so alone and trying to keep your head above water? Times like these we need to remember, that “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3). It is at the end of the rope that […]
First Words
How important are the first words someone speaks to us? They can put up walls or launch lifelong relationships. In Matthew 5:1-10 Jesus begins speaking to the masses, outlining what it means to be a disciple in eight succinct sentences. The beatitudes provide the foundation for a life of following Jesus. As you hear these words, […]
Identity
Identity – it is how we define ourselves and how we are viewed by others. As Matthew begins his gospel he works to unveil the identity of Jesus. Before Jesus begins his ministry, he meets John the Baptist who has been preparing the way for the Messiah. John the Baptist is a fiery figure, calling for […]