Matthew 5:8

Blessed (anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature) are the pure in heart (those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character), for they will see God.

We should keep our hearts pure, and we have to be mindful of our surroundings.  What we read, listen to and spend time doing separate from the word of God will influence our heart.  If we constantly hear negative comments and accept them as truth, our hearts will turn from the pure word of God.  Our goal is integrity and moral character so that we can see God. 

Matthew 5:7

Blessed (content, sheltered by God’s promises) are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.  

Mercy is a two-way street with God because God first extended mercy to us.  We are to be an example of the mercy of God on this earth and walk as Jesus walked.  We cannot hold a grudge against someone and expect God to understand.  God sent Jesus, who died for all, to show love and mercy to us, and we are to walk in this example.   

Matthew 5:6

Blessed (joyful, nourished by God’s goodness) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (those who actively seek right standing with God), for they will be (completely) satisfied.  

When we were born again and excepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we gained right standing with God. We can be completely satisfied in righteousness through Jesus.  Jesus cleared away our sins, and when God looks at us, He sees Jesus.   Which means all guilt and shame have washed away at the cross. 

Matthew 5:5

Blessed (inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect) are the gentle (the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled), for they will inherit the earth.  

If we have a close relationship with God and the word of God, the easier it is to have inward peace.  The God kind of inward peace trusts and relies on God for direction and can react to any circumstance in peace.  Self-control is vital with God because we are not responding with our feelings or the flesh.  

Matthew 5:4

Blessed (forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace) are those who mourn (over their sins and repent), for they will be comforted (when the burden of sin is lifted).

The unrecognized sins in our lives will stunt our spiritual growth and lead us away from God.  When we repent, mourn, and recognized that we had come short of God’s best, then we will set be set free.  We can obtain the comfort we want from God when we restore our fellowship.  

Matthew 5:3

“Blessed (spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired) are the poor in spirit (those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (both now and forever).”

A humble spirit understands that in comparison to God is has a lot to learn.  Our minds can only comprehend with our senses and reasoning.  When we step back from ourselves and allow God to teach us is when the revelation will come.  A humble spirit realizes that God is for them and that God contains all the wisdom anyone will ever need.

Matthew 4:23

And He went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news (gospel) of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people (demonstrating and revealing that He was indeed the promised Messiah).

Where Jesus is at work, there will be a demonstration of His promises.  The promises have not ended, nor has Jesus stopped healing disease or sickness.  Our faith builds from the revelation of the word and the demonstration of Jesus acting in our lives.  We need to reach out in faith to receive our healing.  

Psalm 1:1

Blessed (fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God) is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked (following their advice and example), Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sit (down to rest) in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers).

Sometimes what we need to get closer to God is to walk away from the influence of others.  If we look upon the world and how it behaves, we begin to accept it as normal.  That is why the renewing of the mind with the word is critical.  It refocuses our thoughts onto what is truly good.   

Genesis 15:1

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram I am your shield; Your reward (for obedience) shall be very great.  

The devil is out to steal the reward!  Every day we must put up our shield and done our armor, and remain obedient to God.  Our reward will be great if we do.  We cannot comprehend what God has in store for us as we are faithful to Him in our lives.  Don’t give up hope, and don’t give up the faith.  God is a rewarder!

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things (which He has called me to do) through Him who strengthens and empowers me (to fulfill His purpose-I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.)

Sometimes we need a reminder that we are not here alone.  When we need strength, Jesus will strengthen us and empower us to fulfill our mission here on earth.  Jesus will empower us through any challenge and guide us with the Holy Spirit.  We, as Christians, are never left alone or helpless.