“People may be right in their own eyes, but the LORD EXAMINES THE HEART. To do what is RIGHT and JUST is more acceptable to the LORD than when we offer Him sacrifices.” (Prov. 21:2-3) When Saul was king, he had a problem of doing things his way instead of God’s way so the prophet Solomon said to him, “Has the LORD AS GREAT DELIGHT in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in OBEYING the voice of the LORD? Behold, TO OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE, And TO HEED (to listen to) than the fat of rams. For REBELLION is as the SIN OF WITCHCRAFT, And STUBBORNNESS is as INIQUITY AND IDOLATRY. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has REJECTED you FROM BEING KING.” (1 Sam. 15:22-23)
A good teaching to look at to help us do what is right is the Beatitudes which are the teachings of Jesus. He teaches us that if we live according to the Beatitudes, we will live a blessed Christian life. The Beatitudes fulfill God’s promises made to Abraham and his descendants and describe the rewards that will be ours as loyal followers of Christ. “…seeing the multitudes, Jesus went up on a mountain, and when He was seated HIS DISCIPLES CAME TO HIM. Then He opened His mouth and TAUGHT them, saying:
- Blessed are the poor (ptōchos: helpless, powerless to accomplish anything on my own but, “I can do all things through Christ.” (Phil 4:13)) in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Blessed are those who mourn (pentheō: to be sad, weep for our sins), For they shall be comforted.
- Blessed are the meek (praus: strength under control), For they shall inherit the earth.
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
- Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.
- Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall SEE GOD.
- Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called SONS OF GOD.
- Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. (Matt. 5:1-10)
Be Blessed As You Learn These…
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham