“Happy are people who make peace, because they will be called God’s children” (Matt 5.9 CEB). During the youth camp chapel services, one of the most tremendous times of prayer that we shared with the students was when we preached from this text. We discussed the brokenness of our world and the resultant rebellion and [...]
Happiness
“Happy are people who have pure hearts, because they will see God” (Matt 5.8 CEB) Whenever I’ve taken tests that help explain the ways that I learn best, usually “visual learner” is pretty high on the charts. I ask Dee often, whenever she’s explaining a mathematical concept to me, to draw a diagram or illustration. [...]
Happy are people who show mercy, because they will receive mercy” (Matt 5.7 CEB) “I can feel the presence of the Lord, and I’m gonna get my blessing right now!” – These are lyrics to a well-known song in my faith tradition. If I’m not mistaken, the song is called “The Presence of the Lord.” [...]
“Happy are people who are humble, because they will inherit the earth.” (Matt 5.5 CEB) “Dance with me, Daddy!” she exclaimed. Wow. Four years old and already making demands. Her enthusiasm melted his heart and helped lift him from the piano bench where he was working on a new composition. “What about the music?” he [...]
Many will recognize the title of the song – How He Loves. I’m sure it’s been on the hearts and lips of millions of believers around the world. John Mark McMillan penned the words to this song following the death of his dear friend, Stephen Coffey. If you look up the song on Wikipedia, you’ll [...]
“Happy are people are who are hopeless, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.” Matthew 5.3 (CEB) This is where the students and I realized that from an outsider’s perspective, this scripture seems rather stupid. Think about it. Truly happy people are those who are hopeless! In fact, it’s the hopeless (some translations say “poor [...]
