Matthew 5: Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

So Weird

•        Blessed are the rich and powerful, for they enjoy the good life now.

•        Blessed are the always cheerful and laughing, for they know no pain or cares

•        Blessed are those who insist on their own rights and way, for they get their own way, what they know they deserve – and that is satisfying and empowering

•        Blessed are the morally flexible who leave God out of the picture and the cynical who know nothing really matters, for they can get on with everyone, they move on much more easily [and often they sleep better at night]

•        Blessed are those who know charity starts at home and make sure free loaders aren’t indulged, for they will always have enough to look after themselves

•        Blessed are those whose feet are planted firmly on the ground and are not directed in life by anything other than being true to themselves, for they will realize their ambitions

•        Blessed are those who can live with workable compromises that are not too costly, for it allows us all to get on with our own business

•        Blessed are those who always live in tune with the spirit of the age for they will always be popular

•        Blessed are you Christian when you keep a low profile, blend in, and keep your faith in Jesus to yourself. Rejoice, because you will be allowed to participate in society and enjoy all its benefits now in this the best of all possible worlds, just like everyone else.

1.      3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Luke 18: 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’

2.      4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Psalm 119: 136 My eyes shed streams of tears,

because people do not keep your law.

3.      5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

4.      6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

5.      7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

6.      8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

7.      9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 

8.      10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

9.      11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Psalm 31: 5 Into your hand I commit my spirit;

you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.