Mark 4:24

Then he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear.  By your own standard of measurement (that is, to the extent that you study spiritual truth and apply godly wisdom), it will be measured to you (and you will be given even great ability to respond)- and more will be given you besides.

Jesus used Smith Wigglesworth to demonstrate His power on earth.  For Wigglesworth to do this, he was constantly studying the Bible or praying.  Now, we may not be ready to raise the dead we would like to have our prayers answered.  We must practice our faith, pray and believe the word, and Jesus will work through us.   

Mark 2:17

When Jesus heard this, He said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need of a physician, but (only) those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners (who recognize their sin and humbly seek forgiveness).

A sinner looking to repent and seeks forgiveness needs help.  Their lives may look like a mess, but they feel the call of God on their hearts.  They are looking for a seed planted by those who have walked the path before and are now saved.  Our experiences with God are like water in a desert.  We can show them the love we received from God.  

Mathew 9:22

While He was saying these things to them, a ruler (synagogue official) entered (the house) and kneeled down and worshipped Him, saying, “My daughter has just now died; but come lay Your hand on her, and she will live.”

Jesus had a reputation for His ability to heal!  Jesus has never lost that ability, and He desires for us to be healed.  The ruler of the synagogue did not doubt that Jesus could heal the daughter.  Our faith is critical, just like the faith of the ruler who worshipped Jesus asking for His help.  

Hebrews 12:25

See to it that you do not refuse (to listen to) Him who is speaking (to you now). For if those (sons of Israel) did not escape when they refused (to listen to) him who warned them on earth (revealing God’s will), how much less will we escape if we turn our backs on Him who warns from heaven?

Experience is a good teacher! It teaches us that we cannot see or foresee everything to come.  As born-again Christians, we are led by the Holy Spirit if we will listen.  The inward nudge comes for our protection and advancement in this life.  If we keep our hearts humble and soft to the leading, we will always go in the right direction.  

Matthew 5:11

Blessed (morally courageous and spiritually alive with life-joy in God’s goodness) are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil things against you because of (your association with) Me.  

Jesus said that persecution would arise for His name’s sake.  We must strengthen the spirit so that we will not be offended and turn from Jesus when it comes to our lives.  Jesus never said that being a Christian would be easy, but He did say it was the right way.   We will receive a reward in heaven for standing up for our belief in Jesus.  

Matthew 5:10

Blessed (comforted by inner peace and God’s love) are those who are persecuted for doing that which is morally right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (both now and forever).

The person that takes a stand for God may be standing alone.  Sin can be like a wave and influence people in the wrong direction, even though it is not true.  But God will bring peace and comfort to those who do what’s right in the face of the adversary.  

Matthew 5:9

Blessed (spiritually calm with life joy in God’s favor) are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will (express His character and) be called the sons of God.

Strife in relationships, health, thoughts, or in any form, steal the peace from our lives.  A person who is walking according to the word and in peace has a shield against strife.  They can speak into the lives of others and express the character of God.  Well-spoken words inspired by God help restore peace.  

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.