Our master came to tell us all about our Kingdom of Heaven which he said was…. within us! He virtually says that when you’re at the end of your rope that’s the time when there’s less of you and there is more of God so you will be ready to take it all in! *

To become blessed is like going through the eye of a needle… we have to narrow ourselves down, become so small in spirit, really meek, to get through the gate of his kingdom.

Because of this we sometimes miss our way and don’t spot it as we’ve been conditioned to push, willing our way forward. “But with less of you there’s more of God. And you're better off when you’ve lost what’s most dear to you” * as then you will be ready to accept what God has given to everyone who is prepared to give up a materialistic view.

You're blessed when you're content with just who you are - no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.

You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. His food and drink are the best meal you'll ever eat.

You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'careful,' you find yourselves cared for.

You're blessed when you get your inside world - your mind and heart - put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.

You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.

Not only that - count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable.

You can be glad when that happens - give a cheer, even!

For though they don't like it, I do!

And all heaven applauds.

So to recap that’s when you are:

Poor in spirit
- aware of your deep need for God
Mourning
- really sorry for missing God’s way
Meek and gentle,
- obedient to God in all your ways
Hungry for uprightness
- longing to be part of His kingdom
Merciful
- helping others with their needs
Pure in heart
- sincere in every way
Peacemaking
- involved in reconciliation
Persecuted
criticised for paying attention.

Through changing in this way God tells us we will naturally be part of God’s wonderfully active kingdom which we find is actually within us already as he made us.

I love it when Petersen writes:
You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavours of this earth.

If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.!!!

You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world.

God is not a secret to be kept.

We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.

If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand - shine!

Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
The Message
By Eugene Peterson.

How can we miss out on this?
We’d be living our lives fully as God intended.