A New Day!

For the last few weeks I have been working through a book on character called "Becoming More Like Jesus." This week as I was studying I was led to the passage in Matthew that tells of The Beatitudes--- a passage I have read many times in my life. It was written in a different translation, however, and it really came alive for me and I wanted to share it with you. Here it is:

Matthew 5:3-12 (The Message)

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.

4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.

6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.

7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.

8"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.

10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.

11-12"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

Wow! I love this version of this oh, so familiar passage. In fact I printed it up and posted it on my wall (my "real" not virtual wall!) above my computer, where I can see it all the time.

Each of the verses spoke to me in a different way, but the one that has spoken to me most is verse 5- "you're blessed when you're content with just who you are-no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought."

I have been struggling with contentment lately. We have recently moved to a new state with all of the changes that come with moving: finding a new church, new friends, new homeschool group, activities for my boys, living in a rental and still having half of our belongings in boxes in the garage since the house is so small! I haven't dealt very well with this lately, especially since we made an offer on a beautiful home and it was not accepted. I have really been feeling sorry for myself and quite honestly I have not been very fun to live with. The Lord has been convicting me and I have been praying for Him to change my perspective and help me to "be content in all circumstances" (Phil. 4:11). I Praise Him for His faithfulness!! As long as I continually look to Him--read and study His word daily, pray continually, sing praise songs (in my head or out loud), and constantly check my thoughts--He has helped me and will continue to help me to have joy and continue to be the wife and mom I need to be to my husband and children. I would not be able to do this without Him!! In my weakness, He is strong---and His grace is sufficient! (2 Cor. 12:9)

I love the Lord with all my heart and so desire to be His today.

Loving Him,