A Burden for Change

Change is a necessity but rarely is it readily accepted.  Innovation, flexibility, and growth all require changes to take place at personal and organizational levels.  How does this happen?   Specifically, how does this happen in churches?  Might I suggest this pathway: 1) a burden, 2) faith, 3) strategy and implementation, and 4) endurance. NehemiahContinue reading “A Burden for Change”

SOM: Blessed are they which are persecuted

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophetsContinue reading “SOM: Blessed are they which are persecuted”

SOM: Blessed are the Peacemakers

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” – Matthew 5:9 It is estimated that there has been a little over 260 years of peace in all of recorded history.  While there are many causes for conflict, we still desire to have peaceful resolutions.  Now, we find Jesus referring toContinue reading “SOM: Blessed are the Peacemakers”

SOM: Blessed are the Pure in Heart

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8 If one thing is clear in the Sermon on the Mount, it is that the Lord is concerned with more than outward cleanliness and show. He has emphasized the spiritual life of His people in comparable ways to the physical.  Poor,Continue reading “SOM: Blessed are the Pure in Heart”

SOM: Blessed are the Merciful

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7 The first four beatitudes look towards God, the next four toward people.  These discuss virtues which mark the godly as blessed in their interactions with others.  We all come across those with a heightened sense of spiritual connection to God but behave poorly towardsContinue reading “SOM: Blessed are the Merciful”

SOM: Blessed Are They Which Do Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness.

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6 This is the last beatitude that focuses on our relationship with God.  The remainder will focus on our relationship with other people around us.  With that in mind, we find words in this verse that are commonly usedContinue reading “SOM: Blessed Are They Which Do Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness.”

SOM: Blessed are the Meek

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” – Matthew 5:5 Weak and meek are not the same the same thing.  Jesus was anything but weak.  He had power of demons, diseases, and death.  He demonstrated his power over nature by simple use of His voice and when he spoke the people thatContinue reading “SOM: Blessed are the Meek”

SOM: Blessed are they that Mourn

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” -Matthew 5:4 Our society is no longer sick about sin.  Instead, sin many times is glorified and rather than seeking repentance it is celebrated.  Those who feel remorse over sinful thoughts and behaviors are quick to post it on social media because they know theyContinue reading “SOM: Blessed are they that Mourn”