From Matthew 5:1-3: “When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. And He began to speak and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.'”
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Christ’s devotion to teaching sprouts
Spirit stirs within, reaching out
God’s people face darkness and mourn
Jesus rises, mercy reborn
Humbleness fills each grateful heart
Jesus delivers life’s fresh start
Righteousness quenches every thirst
Jesus fills hunger, love immersed
Forgiveness offers Living Bread
Jesus leaves Spirit in His stead
Purity in heart brings God near
Jesus offers breath of grace to steer
Peace sown in trusting hearts of man
Jesus offers hope from God’s own plan
Children of God shall overcome
Jesus blesses kingdom to come
Christ’s motivations never cease
Spirit’s fruits cherish joy-filled peace
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From Matthew 5:6: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
Reflections from French Archbishop, theologian, and writer, Francois Fenelon (1651-1715): “Faith is letting down our nets into the transparent deeps at the Divine command, not knowing what we shall draw.”
A well-seasoned fisherman had been casting his nets throughout the night. Unfortunately for him and his family, there would likely be no fresh fish by morning.
As he gathered his empty nets, a light beam shone across the waters on the left side of his boat. He felt the Spirit’s quiet nudge, “Cast the net over here.”
The gentle man was suddenly filled with peace. Without hesitation, he cast his nets over the side of the boat. As the light receded, he felt the boat being drawn deeper into the waters.
Elated with his good fortune, he began pulling in nets heavy with a monumental catch. Indeed, there would be enough fish to feed his family for many days to come.
As he pulled in the final feet of net onboard, he was surrounded by a sea of fish. Filled with gratitude, his eyes moved to witness the rising sun, and he paused to pray to God above. His tone of thankfulness praised the Lord for His goodness.
From John 21:4-6: “Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, ‘Children, you have no fish, have you?’ They answered him, ‘No.’ He said to them, ‘Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish.”
From the words of American pastor and Christian author, Charles Swindoll: “Thanksgiving is a time of quiet reflection . . . an annual reminder that God has, again, been ever so faithful. The solid and simple things of life are brought into clear focus.”
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