Daily Devotional
The Beatitudes...Christian Character
August 18, 2016
Ponder This
The Lord Jesus Christ gives us nine beatitudes, or “attitudes that ought to be.” They are not platitudes. They are attitudes that deal with Christian character. For a full text of the beatitudes, please read Matthew 5:3-11.
Christian character is what you are. Your reputation is what others think about you, but character is what God knows about you. The beatitudes don't say, "Blessed is what you have," or "Blessed is what you do," but instead they tell us, "Blessed is what you are."
All of us are going to die, and some sooner than we think. When you die, you'll leave behind all that you have and all that you have done, and you'll take with you all that you are. Isn't that right?
You see, it's character that is most important. That's the reason it's more important that you seek blessedness than happiness.
Most of the people in the world are doing—what? Seeking happiness. They want to be happy. If you seek happiness, you'll never find it. But you get right with God and blessedness will find you.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
