Good morning. Today is Monday, August 31st!

🥳 Congratulations on starting today with God, and thank you for letting us be a part of it.

— Matthew 5:2

Yesterday, we talked about what it actually means to be blessed. Today, we’re looking at one of the clearest places Jesus shows us what a blessed life can look like: the Beatitudes.

The Beatitudes are found in Matthew 5:3–12, at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus gives a series of statements beginning with “Blessed are…”

They aren’t eight steps for earning God’s blessing. Jesus is describing people of His kingdom and showing us that God’s idea of a blessed life can look very different from ours.

Here’s what He says:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Recognize your spiritual need for God and your dependence on Him.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Those who grieve over sin, suffering, and the brokenness around them are promised comfort.

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
Meek doesn’t mean weak. It means being humble and gentle rather than prideful and self-important.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
Desire what is right before God as deeply as a hungry person desires food.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
Show compassion and mercy to others rather than withholding it.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Seek genuine purity and sincerity before God, not just the appearance of being righteous.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Work toward peace and reconciliation rather than creating more conflict.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Following God and doing what is right can bring opposition. That doesn’t mean you’ve lost God’s blessing.

Notice something interesting: the first and last Beatitudes have the same promise: “theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Everything in between points to what God promises His people: comfort, an inheritance, satisfaction, mercy, seeing God, and being called His children.

Jesus isn’t describing the blessed life as rich, comfortable, successful, or problem-free.

He describes people who depend on God, desire righteousness, show mercy, make peace, and sometimes even suffer for following Him.

The Beatitudes show us that a blessed life isn’t necessarily an easy life. It’s a life shaped by God and His kingdom.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: Father, Your ways are good.

Confession: Forgive us when we value the world’s idea of blessing over Yours.

Thanksgiving: Thank You for Your promises and comfort.

Supplication: Help us live with humility, mercy, purity, and a desire for righteousness.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

“Holy Spirit” by Lizzie Morgan (ft. Phylisha Mitchell)

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Thanks for letting us be a part of how you start your day with God.

See you tomorrow,

Zach | Start With God