Friday, May 16- Matthew 5:5-6

hey and how are you today?! Enjoying every bit of sunshine, I hope!

I have never done a study on The Beatitudes and must say that I have been challenged greatly. I never realized the depth of what Jesus was teaching us and today's verses are no exception.

I've decided I really want to be the person described in these verses: gentle, humble, and hungry for godly things in my life? sounds hard, but let's see what Jesus was talking about and find out how we can make these things a daily part of our lives.

I've been thinking hard about this- and I'm pretty sure I don't know anyone that fits this description completely... quiet in nature- not shy necessarily, just collected. When dealing with problems or issues they consistently handle them in a positive, calm manner so as not to come across indecent in any way. Patient in all things, slow to anger but quick to affirm. A humility that thrives on serving...

Have you thought of anyone yet? Can I meet them? (actually, I think my mom fits this description pretty well :)

Without hesitation, I think of Christ when I ponder such characteristics. How can we put on such gentleness, kindness, and patience? I heard biting your tongue before spouting off at someone works pretty good. But, truly? We need to want it bad enough!! Working through the impatience and selfishness with a hunger for what's godly and through lots of prayer you will create change in your life. Also, starting over every time things get fouled up- realizing that in Christ, you are capable of becoming more like Him.

Speaking of a hunger for what's godly- that leads me to the next verse. But first, think of a time when you were hungry or thirsty for something very specific- and nothing else was gonna do, you had to have that one thing and you were not ready to wait for it. For me, I get a hunger or craving from time to time for a good plate of spaghetti and meatballs. It's like my body knows when it's been a while. Seriously, nothing else can fill that hunger when it comes. Maybe when you're away from home, you miss a certain food or restaurant- and the very day you get back home, you don't hesitate to get there and pile up. I mean you can already taste it before you get there!!

That's the kind of hunger Jesus was talking about here. The kind of hunger for godly things in your life that says- "I ain't moving from this spot til I get it!" You know, hunger comes over us all the time- we always have to think about what's for lunch, then what's for dinner, and so on. The same goes for your spirit- you should continue to hunger for godly things, not being satisfied with wordly bliss- but being filled with the likeness of Christ.

I am hungry for gentleness and humility, patience and kindness. The things that will set me a part, the things that will give me a more peaceful life, the things that will cause my light to shine brighter than ever before-


What are you hungry for?


I hope you have a great day filled with the blessings of God!!
I love you guys and pray for you constantly,
Pam S.