As homework for my Bible Study class, we were asked to read from Matthew 5. Some times I struggle with the Beatitudes; what they mean exactly or how I'm supposed to apply it to my life. So as I was reading them, I decided to see how they were written in The Message. As you may or may not know, The Message isn't a literal translation of the Bible, but more of a para-phrasing. But sometimes I just love the wording and the way it gets me to look at scripture. Here's how The Message phrases verses 3-10.3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4"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.
5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
8"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9"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.
10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.
There is so much here that I love and that I could write about. I have taken an individual verse and taken the time to focus on it. Each one has touched me in the last week and a half and I have felt God's personal assurance through His words.
My favorite, or the one that speaks loudest to me right now, is verse 8 (with vs. 9 coming in a close second). Even when I think my inside world is right, God gently reminds me that there's still work to be done there. And when I do see God in the outside world, I feel like my heart and head is in the right place. I love that feeling.
Which one is speaking to you today? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
More of HIM Monday can be found at Not A DIY Life.
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link of the day:
http://www.mentalfloss.com/amazingfactgenerator/
9 comments:
My favorite it verse 3 - when you're at the end of your rope. I feel like that a lot and that is a great reminder!!
Great post today! I was trying to get mine up before bedtime, and my thoughts just weren't coming together. I am NOT a night person, I do my best writing/thinking/studying in the morning!
BTW, I tagged you for a meme. It's easy, but don't feel obligated to do it if you don't want to!
the end of your rope one is one I've experience many, many times. It was neat to see these familiar verses in another light.
I like verse 3 too. I've been feeling like I'm at the end of my rope too often lately.
Love the new look.
I love to add The Message as a part of my Bible Study, too. I really relate to
9"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.
I truly believe this one. So much of the trouble in this world is trying to be #1 instead of cooperating and being a team. We are PART of the Body of Christ. We are NOT the Body of Christ.
Really enjoyed this, Diana.
Susan
Hi Diana, I think 4 and 5 would apply to me now. With the trial we've been going through as a family and as a church, I personally had to get to this place to survive. There is much comfort in being emptied by circumstances that let you remember just what is left when all else is gone or endangered.
I love the way this version has interpreted the beatitudes. I'm copying these for a spot on my mirror for the month. Replacing Daniel 4:35 that was up for March.
thanks. You came too early to see my funny video today. You better check it out. Nancy
I like verse 3. With less of me, there is more of Him!
I'm like you - I often turn to the Message translation to read (my favorite and one I have on my wall is Galations 5:22-27) :-)
I like the new header too!!
Those are wonderful, Diana! I liked #3!
Hugs,
Kelli
I like you fresh new "blog look."
Verse three is one of most favorites. Not only the end of the rope part, although that's appropriate in life too. But I keep finding that the more I release things, the more God blesses me with things so much better.
I had a conversation last nighte with an old high school frind, and over dinner she gave a great testimony to that principle.
My favorite verse is # 3.
It still seems a big struggle and adjustment for me going back to work.
I turn to God many, many times a day and pray. Lord get me through this. Lord please help everything each and everyday work out well. Lord take care of my child(ren) today. Please help Megan's(as well as Derek's) adjustment easy. Lord help me at work today to do my best and to continue learning more each day. etc. etc.
I find myself reciting bible verses and think of that Footprints in the Sand plaque...where there are only one set of footprints as I know God is carrying me through right now.
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