Flip It!

When you first look at Matthew Chapter 5, commonly referred to as the Beatitudes, you may be surprised by what you read. Look at verse 3...
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule". In the NIV it says "blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God". The literally translation of the word "blessed" is "oh how very happy" and "oh to be envied". At first glance it seems very wrong to imagine that life is good when you are at the end of your rope! But God's way of doing things is a bit different from the worlds. The first shall be last. The person that saves his life will lose it. The greatest of all is to be the servant of all.
Like most people I want to live a blessed life. I want to be happy. And happiness comes when we pour ourselves into others even if it is hard on us. What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. Do you need physical healing today? Go and visit someone who needs physical healing and lift them up with encouragement. Running a little short on pay and long on bills? Plant a financial seed into a work that God is doing and be a blessing to someone else. It's time to "flip it" when it comes to the way we think. It's what Jesus was trying to teach in this sermon on the mountain. Read the rest of it and ask the Lord to help you "flip it" so that you can be blessed beyond your wildest dreams!

4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.