There is something about Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son that makes feel like never forgetting what the Father has done for me. Time has a way of making us forget what kind of conditions we've been delivered from.

I've been reading the Beatitudes over the last couple days and would like to share some thoughts. I don't believe I will have the kingdom heart the Lord called me to if I depart too far from Matthew 5-7.

Blessed are the poor in spirit:
This word "poor" means destitute. I was spiritually destitute when I came to God. All the riches I have now are based on my continued dependence and faith on him.

Blessed are they that mourn:
I should be broken over my sin. Too often modern theology creeps into my thinking and I justify myself and not God. He showed me how he felt about sin when his son died on the cross. I don't want to trample his mercy under my careless feet.

Blessed are the meek:
Paul defined meekness when he said, "use not you liberty as an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve on another." Kingdom meekness willingly sets aside its rights for another.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness:
God increase my appetite! One of the first things to go in one who is sick and dying is their appetite. I want the spiritual vibrancy that comes from having a holy appetite. This could be seen as a desire for outward holiness.

Blessed are the merciful:
I remember the condition of the unregenerate mind. I know what the dominating power of sin so I should always view my brother from that perspective. Better yet from God's perspective.

Blessed are the pure:
Father let my motivation, thoughts and actions spring from a heart that has been made holy by you blood! Christ calls citizens of the kingdom to inward holiness. Not my will by your will be done.

Blessed are the peacemakers:
to the extent that it is possible I want to live at peace with all men. And when I meet someone who is still an enemy with God (Rom 5) I want to do my best to bring peace and reconciliation.

Blessed are the persecuted (falsely and for righteousness):
It is easy to bear punishment for things I know I deserve. There is actually something cleansing in it (to the conscience). I use to ask my parents to discipline me when I confessed some misdeed. But its altogether a different story when I know I've done nothing wrong and someone slanders me or maligns me in some way. Here is where trust in the king of the kingdom comes in - vengeance is mine, I will repay. Gulp! Do I have the trust and confidence in my God that he will plead my case? I want to. As a lamb to the slaughter is dumb...what an example Christ left us.

We are human beings not human doings. As new creatures with the abiding nature of the father dwelling in us we should naturally grow to have these characteristics.