Family Devotions

Last night, I passed out a guide for eight days of family devotions which go over the 8 beatitudes. I mentioned last night that these would work best when your children or grandchildren are 8 years old or so. If you are a parent like me, with toddlers, you might go through these together with your spouse. Find someone. Study these Beatitudes. Memorize them, if not verbatim, at least know them. They are essential. They are the first words, in the first sermon, from the most important Preacher who ever lived. They matter. Teach the epic words of Christ to your children.

I'll post the 8 devotions below, in case you missed them, but here is how you do it. First, the verse is provided here in the ESV. You're welcome to use your own Bible/translation and just open to Matthew 5. After that, there is a very brief word study provided of the key greek word. For instance, in the first study, you'll see a back ground for the word ptōchos. Jesus is talking about extreme poverty, not just a person living paycheck to paycheck with no bank account. So you share that. Then, there is "in other words" which basically restates the verse in common language with some amplification. Finally, "words of wisdom" is there, which takes a verse from Psalms or Proverbs. You can look this up together, read it, and then close in prayer.

The whole routine could take 4 minutes. Here's the devotions:
Day 1: Happy are the BROKE Matthew 5:3 – Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Greek for “poor” – ptōchos – extreme and shameful poverty, as a beggar hiding his face.
In other words: Happy are those who “own” the fact that spiritually, they are broke – bankrupt! ; for God will give them what they absolutely cannot earn or merit on their own.
Words of Wisdom – Proverbs 29:23
Day 2: Happy are the Criers - Matthew 5:4 – Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Greek for “mourn” – pentheō – mourning, wailing as over someone’s death.
In other words: Happy are those who cry about their sin, only they can receive God’s comfort.
Words of Wisdom – Psalm 34:18
Day 3: Happy are the Selfless - Matthew 5:5 – Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Greek for “meek” – praÿs – unselfoccupied, trusting God
In other words: Happy are those who love Jesus more than themselves, and trust Him with their reputation, vindication, and all provision. Though powerful, they don’t use their power for themselves, but to serve God.
Words of Wisdom: Psalm 37:11, Proverbs 25:27
Day 4: Happy are the Hungry - Matthew 5:6 – Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Greek for “hungry” – peinaō – craving ardently
In other words: Happy are those who don’t hunger for possessions or fame, but they are hungry for God - if you go to Him on empty, He’ll fill you up.
Words of Wisdom: Psalm 63:1, 5
Day 5: Happy are the Compassionate - Matthew 5:7 – Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Greek for “merciful” – eleēmōn – Helping the afflicted.
In other words: Happy are those who see and respond to people like Jesus does, for He is to us our faithful and merciful High Priest. (Heb. 2:17)
Words of Wisdom – Psalm 41:1
Day 6: Happy are the Holy - Matthew 5:8 – Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Greek for “pure” – katharos – free from corrupt desire; purified.
In other words: Happy are the ones who live holy lives, the more the sin gets out, the more they can really see God.
Words of Wisdom: Psalm 18:26
Day 7: Happy are the Ambassadors of Peace - Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Greek for “peacemaker” – eirēnopoios – founders and promoters of peace.
In other words: Happy are those who make God’s peace – God’s way. Not through compromise and tolerance, but through truth and righteousness. They are the royal sons and daughters of God.
Words of Wisdom: Psalm 85:10
Day 8: Happy are the Attacked - Matthew 5:10 – Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Greek for “persecuted” – diōkō - to be mistreated, suffer persecution on account of something.
In other words: Happy are those Ambassadors of Peace, who get attacked in response to their message of peace. Their reward is in heaven.
Words of Wisdom: Psalm 120:7