Sermon on The Mount

 Today at church the preacher talked about one of the greatest sermons of all time and I read it in the Message translation.  

Here it is:

Matthew 5: 1-12 

Jesus climbed a hillside and arriving at a quiet place, he taught His companions.  He said:

You're blessed when you are at the end of your rope.  With less of you, there is more of God and His rule.

You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

You're blessed when you're content with just who you are - no more and no less.  That's the moment you find yourself proud owners of everything that can't be bought.

You're blessed when you work up a good appetite for God.  His food and drink are the best meal you will ever eat.

You're blessed when you care.  At the moment of being 'care-full' , you find yourselves cared for.

You're blessed when you get your inside world - your mind and your heart put right.  Then you can see God in the outside world.

You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight.   That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.

You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution.  The persecution drives you deeper into God's kingdom.

Not only that - count yourselves blessed very time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit Me.  What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable.  You can be glad when that happens - give a cheer even - for though they don't like it, I do!  All of heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company,  My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into the same kind of trouble.  

A lot there to digest and yes, some of it is uncomfortable.  Peace & Purpose on this Sabbath in June.