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We have arrived at one of the most precious sections of the New Testament, “The Sermon on the Mount”. I love reading Jesus’ words because they flow from one thought to the other guiding us to know how He views us and what are His expectations. The key lessons in the Sermon are found in the Beatitudes which basically tell us how to be blessed and many times are in direct contrast to how the world wants us to be.
Poor in spirit contrasts with pride and personal achievement, but God’s reward is that we will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
Mourning contrasts with having happiness at all cost, but God’s reward is that He will comfort us.
Meekness contrasts with the desire for power, but God’s reward is that we will inherit the earth.
Thirst for Righteousness contrasts with pursuing our own selfish desires, but God’s reward is that He will be the one to fill us with all our needs and we will be satisfied.
Mercy contrasts with the need to show strength without caring for others, but God’s reward is that He will show us mercy.
Pure in Heart contrasts with a desire to deceive in order to get what we want, but God’s reward is that we will truly be able to see and feel God’s presence.
Peacemaker contrasts with our desire for personal peace while shutting out the chaos of the world around us, but God’s reward is that we will be “called sons of God” (daughters implied).
And finally, Persecuted which contrasts with a weak commitment to avoid persecution, but God’s reward is that we will inherit the “kingdom of heaven”.
There is so much promise and so much truth in this sermon. Hearing it directly from Jesus’ mouth allows me to know what is truly important to him and what is expected of me.
Daily Devotion 
We could probably spend the rest of th year going through the sermon on the mount! Two thoughts for me today. First, v 3, I must be more poor in spirit. I need to rely more on God and less on me. I want to use what He’s given me for His glory not mine.
Second, I’m thankful for this outlet that helps me remain “salty”. Reading the word every day helps to focus me and keep my life prioritized.
Man, i just love this section of the reading. i could read it over and over, and still be amazed every time i read it. every single part leaps off the page to me!
Please read how the Message describes these truths:
-you’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. with less of you there is more of God and his rule.
-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.
-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 cant be bought.
-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.
-you’re blessed when you care. at the moment of being “care-full,” you find yourselves cared for.
-you’re blessed when you get your inside world- your mind and heart- put right. then you can see God in the outside world.
-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.
-you’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. the persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
in the last week, God has hit on all of these truths in my life (minus the last 2, i havent gotten in the middle of a fight or been persecuted…yet, lol!). i feel so grateful that He’s working in every one of these ways in my life…even the last week has brought immense growth! it’s truly humbling!
btw, i want to apologize for being behind on my reading. my lame excuse is that i didnt have internet for that week in FL and then i didnt have it last week at the cabin. but no worries, i’m all caught up now! i made a commitment, and i’m sticking to it. thanks for being my reading buddies throughout this process! 🙂
I, too, love the way the Message brings this passage to life. As I read through passage to the section on salt and light the Message says, “You’re hear to be salt seasoners to bring out the god-flavors of this earth…You’re here to be light, to bring out the god colors of the world…I’m putting you on a light stand…shine! Keep open house! Be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt others to open up with God, the generous Father in heaven.” Notice the things he compares us to, salt and light. These are things that people are naturally drawn to because they want them in their lives. Food without salt? Yuck! Always stumbling in the darkness? No thanks. Salt and light attracts people and we are to be attractive. How? Well, Jesus follows up with the how. Live generously. Be open and honest. By doing so it invites others to do the same. People are looking for something real. Especially now. We are sick of fake. Though it requires risk and vulnerability on our part, when we open up to people it creates a safe place for them to share, to be vulnerable and to have a soul experience that otherwise wouldn’t be possible. That’s what attracts people. Not dowsing them with too much salt or blinding them with light. Just being here. Trusting God with our hearts, because with him, we know they are safe. Keeping open house. Living generously.