a blessing this Christmas

Today I spent time with the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5 and from The Message.  These are powerful words.  Spend some time with them.  Read and think through each

You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope --- less of you & more of God and

You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you --- you are embraced by the One most dear to you

You're blessed when you're content with just who you are --- then you have everything

You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God --- He's fill you completely

You're blessed when you care, 'care-full' --- you will be cared for

You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right --- you see God in the outside world

You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight --- discovering who you really are, and your place in God's family.

You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution --- drives you even deeper into God

It is at the point we begin to see God's real blessings, not what the world says is the mark of success or blessing, and we find real contentment.  The next step is to understand how we are leading those around us to see God.  When we open our lives to let others see, we will make a bigger difference for God.

Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

"Be generous with your lives" is what God called us to do.  Are we doing that this Christmas?  When we are, we prompt people or point people to see God and to have faith.  That is awesome.

Who are the people we are living for?  It is the ones we are just comfortable with with?  Our lives ought to be leading people to know God in every way possible.

If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.  "In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you."

I pray we will make a difference and be a blessing this Christmas!