Started reading Simply Christian by N.T. Wright today. Good so far!

The Kingdom of Heaven

I have been having Kingdom thoughts lately. I have been teaching through the Sermon on the Mount in youth group and something had begun to change in me. I am looking differently at many things in my life. Is seems that God is doing some major renovation right now.

"Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him. He began to teach them. He said. . .Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those that mourn for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those that are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

God's Spirit is really changing the way I am looking at things. These things are so foreign to us. Where are the peacemakers? Where are the meek? The pure in heart? I would like to say look in the mirror Matt but all to often those do not describe me. But God is changing that. I want to be a peacemaker! I desire to gentle (meek)! I yearn for a pure heart! I'm hungry for some righteousness! I am not looking for persecution (being honest) but it is promised so bring it on!

Any body else up for some beattitude change? The road is well worth it. Come join the road to a mountainside with me. Let's do this together.