Day 1 - “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Read: John 8:1-11. This story illustrates the spiritual poverty of the woman. How did Jesus treat her and them? What did Jesus offer her? What happened in her life?
Reflect: Let God show you any way you believe that he does not or could not love you (or someone else) because you _______.
Confess: God, you created me in your image. You love and pursue me. You offer life I haven’t earned. Thank you!
Re-read v11 - God’s love accepts us exactly where we are and invites us to positive change.
Day 2 - Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Read John 11:32-44. Mary, Martha and the crowd were mourning because Lazarus died. Why did Jesus cry?
Reflect: Where are areas where you are hurt, have experienced trauma, or feel sadness, grief, or loss? Tell them to Jesus.
Confess: Jesus, you mourn with those who mourn because you love them. You have the power to bring joy out of any situation.
Day 3 - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Read: John 8:1-11. This story illustrates the hunger and thirst for righteousness (as well as spiritual poverty) of the crowd. What did they feel was right? Why? How did their thirst for what was right (fidelity in marriage) twist into something so wrong (hypocrisy and rage)?
Reflect: Let God show you areas you desire things to be right around you or in you. How do you try to make them right? How does Jesus’ example make things right?
Confessing: You make things right, starting with changing me. Thank you!
Day 4 - Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Read: Mark 8:27-38. This story illustrated Peter’s perfectionism, trying to correct Jesus about what God wants.
Reflect: In what ways do you try to make life good by being perfect? Think of a perfectionist you know. How does this attitude impact them and those around them?
Confessing: God, you are the perfection that I am not and you invite me to yourself.
Day 5 - Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and
falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me...because
great is your reward in heaven
Read: John 9:1-34. Because this man simply told what Jesus had done for him, he was mistreated.
Reflect: What has Jesus done for you? Are there ways that you do not share because we are concerned with what others will say or how they will treat you?
Confessing: Jesus, you have done great things for me. Thank you! Give me the courage to share in the opportunities that you give me.
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