The Beatitudes: The DNA of Discipleship
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied
--Jesus, Matthew 5:5-6
Father, by your Holy Spirit, grant us grace to “hear, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest” the words of Jesus.
You might imagine that, as we plan to move into our Mission Outpost this summer, we will want material “furnishings for our house”. Such items as tables, chairs, an altar and any number of other items will be desired for us to function. A list has already been prepared and costs for each are being researched. More information will be shared in the coming months.
With these thoughts on my mind, a clarifying moment happened to me two Sunday’s ago as I listened to Fr. Travis’ sermon. He opened by saying we should “ready our hearts…for…worship, mission and ministry” (I’m paraphrasing a bit). Just then it was as though the Lord slapped me upside the head and said “Those are the furnishings for our house; worship, mission and ministry”. Later that day, as I reflected on what I heard, it came to me that there are other “furnishings” available to us. You may have noticed the large picture of our building in the Beville entry hall, covered at first with twelve blank squares, one for each month of construction. As construction proceeds, one square a month is removed and turned over to reveal one or more spiritual gifts. So, worship, mission, ministry and spiritual gifts are all “spiritual furnishings” for our house.
There are differences between the “material” and “spiritual” furnishings. The material are desirable, but we will receive an invoice for them. The spiritual are essential, but they have already been paid for by Jesus Himself.
I encourage each of us to pray earnestly that our house be fully furnished by the time we move in this summer.
Yours in Christ,
Alan B. Clark
Senior Warden
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