Be Joyful Attitudes

How are you doing with your ONE WORD? Mine was put to the test this week. I was reminded of the words of Jesus when He gave His disciples what is referred to as “The Beatitudes.”  (Matthew 5)

Somebody recently took these timeless words of Jesus and substituted the word “blessed” with “joyful” which is one of the meanings of the word “joyful.”

3 JOYFUL are those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

4 JOYFUL are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5 JOYFUL are those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.

6 JOYFUL are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.

7 JOYFUL are those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

8 JOYFUL are those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.

9 JOYFUL are those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

10 JOYFUL are those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

11 JOYFUL are you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.

12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

Tyndale (2008-06-01). Holy Bible Text Edition NLT (Bible Nlt) (Kindle Locations 48565-48588). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Read through the words of Jesus again. How have you been or not been joyful in these areas during the past week? What is God teaching you about YOUR word?

Running the race with joy,

Bill Welte
President/CEO America’s KESWICK

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 1-2; Mark 1:1-22

Quote of the day:  The true Christian reaction to suffering and sorrow is not the attitude of self-pity, fatalism or resentment; it is the spirit which takes life’s difficulties as a God given opportunity, and regards its troubles as a sacred trust, and wears the thorns as a crown. James Stewart

Bible Memory: With my whole heart I seek you;    let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:10-11