#TheBlessedLife

Hello Beloved, this week's devotional will require you to grab a journal and a pen. Alternatively, you may download the pdf version (at the end of this post) for ease. 

Set your timer for 30 seconds. Write down all the things that come to mind when you think of being blessed, using the space below. Go!



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Now, read Matthew 5: 3 - 12 (we suggest reading the Amplified Version because it will give more specific meanings for words).  Fill in the blanks based on your reading in order to paint a picture of those who are counted blessed by God:

Blessed are the _______________________________________________________(verse 3); 

those who ________________________________________________________(verse 4), 

the _____________________________________________________(verse 5); 

those who hunger and  thirst for _________________________________________________________(verse 6); 

those who are _________________________________________________________ (verse 7); 

those who are _________________________________________________________(verse 8);

those are _________________________________________________________(verse 9);    

and those who are __________________________________________________(verses 10 and 11).

Pause and reflect: How does Jesus’s definition of those who are blessed compare with what you had in mind at the start?

My List Only	Jesus and I See ​Eye-to-Eye	Jesus's List Only
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There are 10 categories of people counted as blessed in the passage. Why is each group counted as blessed? In other words, what is their reward? Read Matthew 5: 3 - 12 again to see WHY Jesus counts people blessed. List ALL the rewards blessed people receive in the space below:

Example:  Blessed people inherit the kingdom of heaven, both now and forever. (verse 3).
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The kingdom of God is often referred to as an upside down kingdom because its values and systems of rewards and punishments do not align with those exalted by the world. The reign of God is peculiar, to say the least. Yet, it is His reign in our lives and the world that guarantees our righteousness, joy and peace. (Romans 14:17). 

As many descriptors as were used by Jesus in His sermon, He is really describing one type of person. The blessed person is the child of God-made so through the reconciling work of Jesus Christ-who lives by His Spirit. What great news! We have been qualified as a blessed people by the work of God, which cannot be undone. (Isaiah 43:13). We are able to inhabit the reality of this life, from day-to-day, through the Holy Spirit-a gift of God that the world has no power over. (John 14). All that is left for our joy to be complete is our choosing. Choose to walk in agreement with the Holy Spirit each day. It is obedience to Him that brings about the joyous reign of Christ in our lives.

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the_blessed_life.pdf
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Enjoy this oldie, but goodie by Ron Kenoly: