If you take these seriously, they will transform your life.

When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said: If you take these seriously, they will transform your life, and have the potential to change the world. Matthew 5:3-10

You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One who is most dear to you.

You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourself a proud owner of everything that can’t be bought. 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.

You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ’careful,’ you find yourself cared for. You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

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.

You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution will drive you even deeper into God’s kingdom

Count yourself blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit you. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer!—for though they don’t like it, all heaven applauds.

If you read this with an open heart, and understand that being with Jesus’ is about being willing to be broken open and reformed. You will come to realize that you were completely empty of anything meaningful or useful before you had put your faith in Jesus’