You and I live in a fallen creation that is no longer perfect or even good. How can we live in a way that pleases our Creator? When Jesus limited Himself to a physical body, a geographical location and a time in history He gave these instructions about attitudes.

Matthew 5:¹And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

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

Be attitudes toward God

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

Acknowledge your need for God

⁴Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted

Be sensitive to your lack of holiness

⁵Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Keep your strength under control

⁶Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Desire to be right with God

Be attitudes toward others

⁷Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Do not take vengeance

⁸Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Avoid deception and see what others miss

⁹Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Avoid conflict

¹⁰Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Stay the course

¹²Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Questions for Reflection

1) Why do you think Jesus taught about attitudes rather than actions?

2) Which of these attitudes is hardest for you?

3) Which of these attitudes do you most often see in others?

4) What does this promise mean to you? 2 Corinthians 12:⁹ And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Our focus = Hebrews 12:¹Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Our challenge = Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you, has uniquely designed and created only one you, has a good plan for your life, runs with you and will accomplish His purposes for you and through  you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti