Proverbs 22:8 – He who sows iniquity will reap calamity. “There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him:” Haughty eyes (Where and when have I looked down upon others—pride of race, face, place, and grace? Where and when have I possessed an exaggerated sense of my own opinions and … Continue reading Prayer of Confession based upon Proverbs 6:16-19
Using the Beatitudes to Confess Your Sins
Blessed Jesus, you offered us all your blessings when you announced... “Blessed are the poor in spirit” — but we have been rich in pride. “Blessed are those who mourn” — but we have not known much sorrow for our sin. Blessed are the meek” — but we are a stiff-necked people. “Blessed are those … Continue reading Using the Beatitudes to Confess Your Sins
Reflections on Blessed Are the Pure in Heart
Matt. 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. “As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness” (Psalm 17:15). To behold God’s face and to be changed by that vision into his image, so as to partake in his … Continue reading Reflections on Blessed Are the Pure in Heart
Reflections on “Blessed are the Merciful”
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." (Matthew 5:7) “Teach me to feel another's woe, To hide the fault I see, That mercy I to others show, That mercy show to me.” - Alexander Pope English poet (1688-1744) O Christian, know your condition - the misery and the mercy. And let the horror … Continue reading Reflections on “Blessed are the Merciful”
Confessing Our Sin… Experiencing His Grace
Gracious Father, to enrich us will not diminish your fullness for all your lovingkindness is in your Son. We come pleading His blood to pay for our debts of wrong. Accept his worthiness for our unworthiness; his sinlessness for our transgression; his purity for our uncleanness; his sincerity for our hypocrisy; his truth for our … Continue reading Confessing Our Sin… Experiencing His Grace
Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. This beatitude prompts a look at our heart’s desire. What hungers and desires operate within us? Which of them commands our utmost loyalty? - John W. Miller … Continue reading Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
Reflections on “Blessed are the meek!”
Christ was master of the paradox. His teaching is salted with shining contrasts like: Last is first, giving is receiving, dying is living, losing is finding, least is greatest, poor is rich, weakness is strength, serving is ruling. For Christ, paradoxes were an especially effective way of getting people to see essential spiritual truth – … Continue reading Reflections on “Blessed are the meek!”
Reflections on “Those Who Mourn”
“Blessed are those who mourn” is, paradoxically, a more necessary message than “Rejoice in the Lord always,” because there can be no true rejoicing until we have stopped running away from mourning. - Simon Tugwell, The Beatitudes The disciples bear the suffering laid on them only by the power of Him who bears all suffering … Continue reading Reflections on “Those Who Mourn”
Jesus Has Fully Paid It All
In the Scriptures, remembering that Jesus fully paid the ransom price for our liberation from sin motivates… The heavenly host to worship… All church leaders to discharge faithfully their ministry… And all believers to a lifestyle of personal purity. “Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit Who is in … Continue reading Jesus Has Fully Paid It All
Three Benefits of Taking the Lord’s Supper from John Calvin
Here, then, is the singular comfort that we derive from the Supper. It directs and leads us to the cross of Jesus Christ and to his resurrection, to certify us that whatever iniquity there may be in us, the Lord nevertheless recognizes and accepts us as righteous—whatever materials of death may be in us, he … Continue reading Three Benefits of Taking the Lord’s Supper from John Calvin
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