Be-Attitudes and Blessings

I love reading the Bible, God’s living word. Anyone reading the Bible over a length of time has probably read the same scriptures more than once. You may also have learned something new each time.

That’s what happened to me this week. I’m working my way through the Book of Matthew, re-reading it this time in the *Amplified Version.

One day this week, I read Matthew Five. Even though I’ve read it many times, I read it again the next day. I made some notes while I looked at it as a whole, instead of single verses.

Let’s look at the rewards first. Those who practice the “Be-Attitudes” will find:
1.    The kingdom of heaven is theirs; they shall be comforted, and inherit the earth.
2.    They will be filled with righteousness, obtain mercy, and see God.
3.    They shall be called the sons of God, and in the kingdom of heaven, they will have great reward.

Do you see anything undesirable there? I don’t. From the Amplified Version let’s consider how to obtain these blessings:

1.        First, we need to be poor in spirit (humble ourselves before God).
2.          If we mourn, we will be comforted by God’s matchless grace.
3.          The meek (the patient and long-suffering) will enjoy God’s favor regardless of outward conditions.
4.          Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, as born-again children of God, will enjoy His favor and salvation.
5.          The merciful will find satisfaction in God’s favor, regardless of outward circumstances.
6.          The pure in heart will enjoy happiness produced by God’s favor and the revelation of His grace.
7.          The makers and maintainers of peace will be spiritually prosperous with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor.
8.          Those persecuted for righteousness’ sake (being and doing right) will prosper in spirit as born-again children of God.
9.          When people persecute you (saying false things against you because you serve Jesus) be glad and remain joyful, for your reward is in heaven.

These “be-attitudes” and blessings are Jesus' teachings. But if you read John 12:44-50, you will find they are also the words of His Father in heaven. 

I hope today’s post inspires you to take your Bible and review Matthew 5:3-12.  Ask yourself: How do I measure up?

*The Everyday Life Bible by Joyce Meyer: Unless otherwise noted, all scriptures in The Everyday Life Bible is taken from The Amplified Bible (AMP) and is used by permission of the Lockman Foundation and the Zondervan Corporation. Additional text copyright 2006 by Joyce Meyer. Amplified Bible copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by the Lockman Foundation.

*Pixabay: Winner, Champion; Conmongt.

  

Who Cares

A lot of people care. I see it in friends and family, co-workers, and leaders of various kinds. Who would argue with the idea that the world is a better place because of people who care?

This week I was talking with someone whose life is taking an unexpected turn. He is close to retirement, but due to his wife’s health, he is becoming a caregiver.

As we talked, I was reminded of the daily challenges in my care-giving days. I had been retired one year when Dad needed help because he could no longer drive.

To this day I’m grateful my husband agreed and was willing to make necessary life adjustments to also help Dad. A few years later, I became a caregiver for my husband.

A caregiver’s life becomes the life of the cared for. As a widower, Dad was used to getting up and going to Denny’s for breakfast every day. I always enjoyed breakfast at home, so that was just one of my adjustments.

There were also challenges with all the doctor appointments and calls to the insurance company. Except for my bout with breast cancer, I’d been healthy and doctor visits were not ongoing.

When hospice was needed, they were a big help to me as well as Dad. It was a relief to be able to call his nurse if I had a question. But home health aides, the chaplain, and the social worker were also supportive and encouraging.

To me, caregiving was “tiring.” But in the conversation this week I heard the word “draining.” I think that’s a better word for it. After all, the person giving care is on tap 24/7.

Who cares? I’m hoping you do.

First a word for Caregivers: Love is expressed, said Jesus, by being willing to lay down your life for a friend (John 15:12-13). I’m sure this also applies to love in acts of service to family members.

Now a word to Non-Caregivers: The challenge this week is to consider how you can encourage a caregiver by showing them that YOU CARE!

Pixabay: Hands, Arms, Reading; GDJ.