Author Archives: L. Lyden

This is a hard saying Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 5:10 This one is hard for me. It’s hard for me to understand how persecution can be a blessing. Sure, I can receive it by faith, but to write about it with convictionContinue reading “November 1, 2021”

Peacemaker Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.  Matthew 5:9 Imagine you were sent to this world to make peace.  Not with other people, but to connect other people with God.  An ambassador.  That’s what Jesus did.  The angels proclaimed His peace the night He was born into the Earth. Continue reading “October 27, 2021”

Pure in heart Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.  Matthew 5:8 The pure in heart, the innocent?  Remember when you were?  Probably a very long time ago, but still today you always look for the best in others.  You expect good things are going to happen and you have hopeContinue reading “October 26, 2021”

 Have mercy! Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.  Matthew 5:7 Ooo!  This is a tough one.  We live in probably the most unmerciful world of all time.  There is very little grace to be seen these days in our society.  People are angry, hurt and unforgiving and will fight for theContinue reading “October 25, 2021”

What are you Hungry for? Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6 This has always been my favorite verse in this passage.  It makes me ask the questions: What am I hungering for? What am I pursuing that my life depends on?  What am I soContinue reading “October 24, 2021”

Meek not weak Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.  Matthew 5:5 Many people think that the way to be meek is to be weak, but it just isn’t the case.  A meek person honors other above themselves.  They recognize that all people are valuable and they ad value to everyone thatContinue reading “October 22, 2021”

When you have a bad day Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 This is a tough one.  Why would Jesus say those who mourn are blessed?  Obviously they are mourning because of a lose or hurt of some kind.  How can we expect to be blessed or happy whenContinue reading “October 21, 2021”

Poor in spirit “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 This is Jesus first public message.  The passage says that He sat with His disciples to teach them, but it also says there were multitudes close by.  Verses 3-11 are the introduction to His sermon on theContinue reading “October 20,2021”

Follow Me Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  Matthew 4:19 Can you imagine walking up to someone and saying, “Follow me!”  Forget about the making of fishers of men part for a second and just think about it.  Where would they follow you and what wouldContinue reading “October 19, 2021”

Who’s next From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  Matthew 4:12-17 Here we go!  Jesus begins His public ministry and surprisingly, His message is the same as John the Baptist’s was.  Repent, because the kingdom of heaven is coming.  I like the wordingContinue reading “October 18, 2021”