Podcasts about Beatitudes

Episode 274 - Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit What if the places you feel most empty are the places God is closest? In this episode, the friars explore what it really means to be poor in spirit, not as an idea, but as the lived experience of feeling powerless, stretched, or unable to fix what hurts. They speak into the poverty we feel in our families, our vocations, our emotions, and our prayer, and how these very places become the doorway for God's coming. Advent reveals that poverty isn't a flaw to overcome but an invitation to trust, surrender, and let God be the one who fills what we cannot. It's the space where the Kingdom breaks in. Join us as we learn to stop resisting our poverty and discover God waiting for us there. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you!

The sermon on the mount is probably one of the best known and most recognisable teachings of Jesus. It has captured the hearts and imagination of believers over many centuries. It has inspired writings and has shaped western culture. Its influence and significance can not be over stated.John Stott writes: “The Sermon on the Mount is probably the best-known part of the teaching of Jesus, though arguably it is the least understood, and certainly it is the least obeyed. It is the nearest thing to a manifesto that he ever uttered, for it is his own description of what he wanted his followers to be and to do” We have already looked at the “door keeper” to this great body of teaching, namely “The Beatitudes”. Sinclair Furgeson says that “The sermon on the mount does not begin with what we are to do as Christians. In a sense it doesn't even begin with telling us what we are to be as Christians. It begins by telling us the blessedness of what we are as Christians.” In the Christian life being is the foundation for doing. Not the other way around. It is therefore important to keep that in mind as we approach the ethical part of the sermon. The ethics of of God's Kingdom flows from the blessed state of our becoming citizens and partakers in the new life of His Kingdom.

In this continuation of the beatitudes series, the crew discusses meekness. Check out our website, Thehandlebarpodcast.com for more information, merch, how to partner with us and more. You can subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thehandlebarpodcastYou can purchase BIG JESUS here: https://upperroom.store/products/big-jesus

In our final installment of our Beatitudes series, Jim Weaver explores the "congratulations" for persecution. We will be persecuted if we stand for God and proclaim the Gospel. Find out why that's important! Foundation Stones Book: https://a.co/d/anXFimISupport the show

"My soul magnifies the Lord." Kicking off our Advent series, Advent: The Musical, we dive into the first song: the radical and revolutionary Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55).In this message, we explore:Model Disciples: The powerful, non-competitive relationship between Mary and Elizabeth.An Oldie: How Mary's song borrows from the prophetic words of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2.The Reversal: Why the Magnificat is a fierce, political song that declares God sides with the humble and marginalized, scattering the arrogant and pulling down the mighty.Like Mother, Like Son: The striking connection between Mary's song and the later words of Jesus, including the Beatitudes, showing that he "sounds a lot like her."Join us as we contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation—God arriving in unexpected ways—and learn to trust the pattern of the Magnificat reversal in our own lives. ★ Support this podcast ★

Episode 273 - Feeling Good vs. Being Good What if the things we use to "feel better" are the very things keeping us from becoming good? In this episode, the friars continue exploring the Beatitude "Blessed are the pure of heart" looking at the quiet ways we avoid honesty with ourselves, through distraction, self-soothing, numbing, or chasing comfort.  They unpack why it's so hard to face what's really going on inside us, and how purity of heart begins with the courage to stop running and let Jesus meet us in our reality. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you!

Matthew 5 | Everyone wants to be happy, but what if everything we thought about the way to get it was wrong? What if ‘the good life' – or ‘the blessed life' as Jesus calls it in his very first sermon – was found in the very places we often try to avoid? Tune in to hear our series on The Beatitudes, where we learn about the life God calls us to, how it looks nothing like we think, and why it's better than we could ever imagine.

In today's devotional, Dr. Michael A. Youssef challenges us to seek God's glory above everything else in life.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, listen to Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Happiness Is in You, Part 8: WATCH NOW

In this episode the original 4 hosts discuss the beatitudes and how there is a blessing for those who mourn. Check out our website, Thehandlebarpodcast.com for more information, merch, how to partner with us and more. You can subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thehandlebarpodcastYou can purchase BIG JESUS here: https://upperroom.store/products/big-jesus

In today's devotional, Dr. Michael A. Youssef explains that peace comes through purity.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, listen to Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Happiness Is in You, Part 7: LISTEN NOW

No Mold for Holiness: The Unique Path of Every Saint Today's Gospel reflection, centered on the Beatitudes, . . . . . . highlights the universal call to holiness and the unity of the three “churches”: the Church Militant (pilgrim believers on earth), the Church Penitent (souls being purified), and the Church Triumphant (saints in heaven). The Homily emphasizes that sainthood is not something we wait for after death, but something we are called to pursue now through our daily lives. Each person reflects Christ uniquely . . . there is no single “mold” for holiness. Using examples like St. André Bessette, who served humbly as a doorkeeper, and Blessed Carlo Acutis, who used technology to evangelize, the message encourages the faithful to mirror Christ in their own circumstances. Holiness is expressed through living the Beatitudes, displaying the fruits of the Spirit, and manifesting God's love, peace, mercy, and goodness in ordinary life. The faithful are invited to see themselves already on the journey toward the communion enjoyed by the saints, and to ask: How am I reflecting Christ today? Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: No Mold for Holiness: The Unique Path of Every Saint --------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Matthew 5: 1-12 First Reading: Revelation 7: 2-4, 9-14 Second Reading: 1 John 3: 1-3 --------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work L'Innocence,: French Artist and Painter: William-Adolphe Bouguereau: 1893

As Thanksgiving nears, this episode urges Christians to give thanks not only for blessings but also for trials, recognizing God's sovereign purposes in every situation. Using Scripture—Paul's thorn in the flesh, the Beatitudes, and Jesus' teaching on provision—it shows how suffering, persecution, and lack can refine faith, reveal Christ's strength, and point to God's justice. Listeners are encouraged to seek God's kingdom, trust his providence, and rejoice that all things ultimately work for God's glory and the good of his people.

Sun., Nov. 23The Wisdom of the Beatitudes, Part IIwith Michelle MedranoContinuing our exploration of the Beatitudes as articulated by Jesus, the last four will be examined.

If you want to give through Grace Church you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/grace-alone?src=hpp&r=monthlyJoin us for Pastor Rick's new sermon series, “Life's Healing Choices,” where we explore the transformative power of the Beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Discover the eight principles that lead us to true happiness and wholeness, guiding us toward healthier, more fulfilling lives. Each week, Pastor Rick will delve into how embracing these choices nurture our spirits and strengthen our relationships. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock the blessings that come from living in alignment with God's wisdom!Find out more about Grace Church here: https://gracechurchco.com/

In today's devotional, Dr. Michael A. Youssef clarifies two different aspects of purity.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, listen to Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Happiness Is in You, Part 6: LISTEN NOW

As we conclude our study of the Beatitudes, Jesus names the cost of peacemaking: persecution, misunderstanding, and resistance. Yet, He also promises a reward so glorious that it transforms suffering into joy. This Sunday, we'll discover what seems impossible: rejoicing in suffering, finding blessing in persecution, and experiencing the kingdom of God where we would least expect to find it.

As we conclude our study of the Beatitudes, Jesus names the cost of peacemaking: persecution, misunderstanding, and resistance. Yet, He also promises a reward so glorious that it transforms suffering into joy. This Sunday, we'll discover what seems impossible: rejoicing in suffering, finding blessing in persecution, and experiencing the kingdom of God where we would least expect to find it.

This message was delivered on Nov. 23, 2025 at Mt Olivet Country Church in Fairhope, PA. If God made a Facebook page for the Sermon the Mount, then the Beatitudes would be the profile picture. Text: Matt. 5:1-8

A Sermon for the Sunday Next Before Advent Jeremiah 23:5-8 & St. John 6:5-14 by William Klock As we come to the last Sunday in the Church Year, I've been reflecting on the scripture passages we've read these last twenty-two weeks of Trinitytide.  The first half of the Church Year walks us through the life and ministry of Jesus.  The second half, following Trinity Sunday, walks us through the life and ministry of the church.  The lessons remind us who we are and encourage us to be the people and the community that Jesus and the Spirit have made us.  Last week we were reminded that just as the old temple was the place where Israel found forgiveness and the presence of God, so the church—the new temple—is also to be the place where the world encounters the presence of God and the forgiveness that flows from the cross.  On All Saint's, just a few weeks ago, we heard the Beatitudes and were reminded of the character that Jesus and the Spirit have given us.  We are the community that is poor in spirit, that mourns sin and the fallenness of the world, the meek who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers.  And thinking of all that, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.  Sometimes we fail.  A lot of the time it just feels like the pushback against us is overwhelming. I feel like Israel in the wilderness with temptation after temptation and enemy after enemy.  But then I think, wait a minute.  Even in the wilderness, God was with Israel.  I think of Moses, reiterating the torah, the law, to Israel as they were on the verge of finally entering the Holy Land, and as he called them to commit to the Lord's covenant—and he knew it seemed like an overwhelming thing to them—he said to them: You can do this.  It's not too hard.  It's not far off.  It's not in heaven that you have to go and bring it down.  It's not across the ocean, that you've got to send someone far away to fetch it.  God's word is near you.  It's in your heart and it's in your mouth so that you can do it.”  Even more, there was the Lord, present in a shining cloud of glory right in their midst—always present with them in the tabernacle.  Ready to forgive and to purify and to strengthen them to be the people he'd created and called them to be.  And if that was true of Israel and of her relationship with God in the Old Covenant—well, maybe I shouldn't be so discouraged.  Because, in Jesus, God has established something even better.  And so I pore over his word, and I pray, and I look forward to Sundays and his invitation to come feast at his Table. I find hope in the promise in the lesson we read today from Jeremiah.  It's a passage I think of a lot.  To a people who had failed, to a people broken and being carried off into exile, to a people who had lost his presence, the Lord promised: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.  In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.'  Therefore, behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when they shall no longer say, ‘As the Lord lives who brought up the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt,' but ‘As the Lord lives who brought up and led the offspring of the house of Israel out of the north country and out of all the countries where he had driven them.' Then they shall dwell in their own land.” (Jeremiah 23:5-8) All of it is important, but the part that really gets me here is that promise that the Messiah would redefine what it meant to be God's people.  The Lord's deliverance of Israel from exile was the thing, the event that defined them as a people.  It was the event that they could hold onto as proof that the Lord was real and living and active, that he is faithful and worthy of trust.  That he makes good on his promises.  It was his gracious and loving deliverance of Israel from Egypt that motivated them to return his love and faithfulness with their own devotion and allegiance.  And yet, the Lord says, when the Messiah has done his work, it'll no longer be about Egypt and the exodus, but about the deliverance brought by the Messiah.  In hindsight, we can say that our existence as the people of God is defined by the cross and the empty tomb—by the body and blood of Jesus the Messiah shed for us.  The Passover, the meal that reminded the Jewish people of their identity of God's people, the meal through which each generation participated in that rescue from Pharaoh's bondage, was redefined by Jesus.  He took the Passover bread and the Passover wine and redefined them.  No longer do they represent deliverance from Egypt, but our deliverance from sin and death by his body broken and his blood poured out.  And Brothers and Sisters, in the midst of the wilderness; struggling to keep our baptismal vows to fight the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil; struggling to be faithful stewards of the gospel and the life of the Spirit, it ought to be strengthening to remember both what the Lord has done for us and that he is so closely with us. This is why the church gives us today's Gospel—the familiar story of Jesus feeding the five thousand.  For the last six months the lessons have been exhorting us to take up Jesus' yoke, to take up our crosses and to follow him.  And when we forget who we are and what the Lord has done for us it's easy to forget that Jesus has promised his yoke is easy and his burden is light, and that in taking up our crosses, he walks alongside us bearing his own.  He is with us in the wilderness.  And that's what today's Gospel is all about.  St. John, in the sixth chapter of his Gospel, writes: “Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming to him.  ‘Where are we going to buy bread,' he said to Philip, ‘so that they can have something to eat?'  (He said this to test him.  He himself knew what he intended to do.)  ‘Two hundred denarii,' replied Philip, ‘wouldn't be enough to buy bread for each of them to have just a little!'  One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, joined in.  ‘There's a boy here,' he said, ‘who's got five barley loaves and to fish.  But what use are they with this many people?'  ‘Make the men sit down,' said Jesus.  There was a lot of grass where they were, so the men sat down, about five thousand in all.  So Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and gave them to the people sitting down, and then did the same with the fish, as much as they wanted.  When they were satisfied, he called the disciples.  ‘Gather up the bits and pieces left over,' he said, ‘so that nothing is lost.'  So they collected it up and filled twelve baskets with the broken pieces of the five barley loaves left behind by the people who had eaten.  When the people saw the sign that Jesus had done, they said, ‘This truly is the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world. (John 6:5-14) Now, the lectionary leaves out the first four verses of the chapter.  Because of that we miss two important details.  The first is the time and the second is the place.  John tells us in verse 4 that “the Passover was at hand”.  Remember again what the Passover was all about.  Passover was the annual festival in which the Jews recalled the events of the Exodus—those events that Jeremiah points to as defining the very identity of Israel as the people of God.  I'll say it again, because it's important to understand: In the Exodus the Lord had delivered them from their Egyptian slavery, he had defeated Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt, he had given them his law and the tabernacle and had taken up his dwelling in their midst, and he had led them through the wilderness.  Each new generation of Jews, as they took part in the Passover meal, became participants in the events of the Exodus, in the establishing of the Lord's covenant.  The Exodus, commemorated by the Passover, was the defining event in Israel's life as the people of God.  So it's not just at the Last Supper, but throughout his ministry that Jesus takes the Passover and redefines it in terms of himself: his provision for the people, his body and blood, his cross and his resurrection leading a new people in an exodus from sin and death. The other important detail in those first verses is the place.  This took place on the far side of the Sea of Galilee.  Jesus has led the people into the wilderness and he's taken up his seat on a mountain.  Again, John stages the story using the imagery of the Exodus.  We have a great crowd of people in the wilderness.  John wants us to be thinking about Israel in the wilderness.  These people are hungry for supper, but there's no food to be had.  The only thing missing is the people grumbling to Moses.  But these people were just hungry to hear Jesus.  This time it's Jesus who realises the people's need before they realise it themselves.  That's something to take comfort in.  Jesus is looking after our needs before know them ourselves. Jesus turns to Philip and asks what's to be done to feed all these people.  Now, Philip—a good Jew whom I'm sure knew his people's story—should have recalled the manna in the wilderness, but he wasn't thinking of Jesus on that level just yet.  Andrew, on the other hand, has met a boy who happens to have brought a sack lunch: a couple of fish and five little loaves of bread.  Such a little bit of food might as well have bene nothing if you're thinking about distributing it to five thousand people.  But I don't think Andrew would have bothered telling Jesus about this boy and his lunch if he hadn't thought that Jesus could make use of it somehow.  What could Jesus possibly do with so little?  The situation seemed totally impossible, and yet the Lord had provided for his hungry people in the wilderness all those centuries before.  Why not again?  And so Andrew gives us a hopeful sign. Brothers and Sisters, this is how the people of God are called to respond in hopeless situations.  This how we're to depend on Jesus as he leads us through the wilderness—when our calling, our task, our vocation, when being the people he's made us seems so hard, when you feel like you can't carry your cross another step.  Don't grumble like Israel did.  Don't give up on God and put your faith in horses, chariots, foreign kings, and pagan gods like Israel did back in the days of Jeremiah.  The Lord has always been faithful to provide and he always will.  Andrew knew that.  I don't know if Andrew was thinking about it, but I think that as John wrote this, he was thinking about one particular event in Israel's past and about King Hezekiah.  The way John tells the story seems to deliberately echo the story of Hezekiah. Hezekiah was also in a hopeless situation.  The Assyrians had besieged Jerusalem.  The messenger of the Assyrian king called up to Hezekiah's men on the walls of the city that he would destroy them and that it would be because Hezekiah had purged Judah of its altars and shrines to the Assyrian gods.  The Assyrian king sent a message to Hezekiah, warning him that the Lord would not be able to deliver him.  Hezekiah no doubt had advisers who saw the situation as hopeless.  Some would have advised him to surrender to the Assyrians and to bow before their gods.  Others would have urged him to form an alliance with the Egyptians, which would have involved their gods as well.  To many, it would have seemed that Hezekiah was out of options.  But he knew better.  The King took the message from the Assyrian king and went to the temple.  He prayed.  Sometimes that's all you can do.  And the Lord sent the Prophet Isaiah to Hezekiah with a message of reassurance:  The king of Assyria will not enter Jerusalem.  “I will defend this city to save it for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David” (Isaiah 19:34).  And that very night an angel struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. Andrew now, like Hezekiah taking Sennacherib's letter to the temple and not knowing what to do, only that the Lord would do something, Andrew now brings the boy and his lunch to Jesus.  The Lord will provide.  Somehow.  In some way.  And Jesus does just that.  He took the bread, gave thanks to God, and started breaking it into pieces and somehow there was still bread in his hands as the baskets began to fill.  And the same with the fish.  No matter how much Jesus gave out, there was still more in his hands.  And everyone—the multiple thousands sitting there on the grass—everyone had their fill.  Just like they did in the wilderness after they'd left Egypt.  And yet there's an element of the story here that points to this new exodus that's taking shape being even greater than the first.  In the first exodus, there was no manna left over.  There was always enough to satisfy the needs of the people, but if you tried to gather extra and to keep it, it rotted away and produced worms.  In contrast, when Jesus feeds these people in the wilderness, there are twelve basketfuls left over—presumably food the people took home with them to eat and to be reminded the next day of what the Lord had done. But that's not the only Old Testament echo that John works into the story.  Andrew faithfully taking the loaves and fishes to Jesus echoes Hezekiah going before the Lord to ask for a miracle.  But as John tells us about Jesus dividing up the bread and fish, there's an echo of another story the people would have known very well. John, I think, tells the story to deliberately recall the prophet Elisha and, in particular, the events of 2 Kings 4.  There was a famine in the land and Isaiah had a band of followers to provide for.  A man brought them twenty loaves of bread and a sack of grain, but it wasn't nearly enough to feed Elisha's men.  That didn't concern Elisha.  He gave the sack of bread to his servant and commanded him to give it to the men so that they could eat.  His servant balked at that.  “How can I can set this before a hundred men?” he asked.  Elisha commanded him again to take it to the men and said, “Thus says the Lord, ‘They shall eat and have some left.'”  And, somehow, the men ate their fill and, just as the Lord had promised, there were leftovers remaining (2 King 4:42-44). Now, back to our Gospel: The people on that mountain with Jesus put the pieces together: Passover, wilderness, bread from heaven, baskets of leftover bread.  And they declare that Jesus is “the prophet who is to come into the world.”  Jeremiah's new exodus is somehow underway, with Jesus at its head.  Their acclamation is taken straight from the Lord's promise to Moses in Deuteronomy 18: “I will raise up a prophet like you from among their brothers.  And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I commanded him” (Deuteronomy 18:18-19).  The new exodus has begun.  Jesus is the prophet who was promised, a prophet like Moses, a prophet like Elisha—and yet a prophet even greater.  Verse 15 says: “So when Jesus realised that they were intending to come and seize him to make him king, he withdrew again, by himself, up the mountain.”   “King” means “Messiah”.  Now, did the people really understand who and what the messiah was to be?  I don't think so.  Almost no one fully understood that until after the events of Jesus' death and resurrection.  But that doesn't mean the people that day, filled miraculously with bread and fish, didn't recognise the Messiah in Jesus.  All the pieces were there.  Here was the good shepherd who cared for the sheep when no one else would.  (It's worth noting that when Mark tells this story, he introduces it saying that when Jesus looked out at the crowd, he saw sheep in desperate need of a shepherd.)  Here was the prophet who would lead the people like Moses in the long-awaited exodus.  If Jesus was those two things, then he also had to be the long-awaited branch that Jeremiah had prophesied would come from the root of David.  Jesus saw the recognition dawn in their eyes and he withdrew.  The time wasn't right.  This wasn't how the Messiah was to come into his crown or to take his throne.  Nevertheless, as we draw the lines that connect the promises of God in Jeremiah to their fulfilment in John's Gospel, you and I should, ourselves, be overwhelmed by the faithfulness of God.  He does what he promises.  He will feed us in the wilderness.  He will go before us to conquer the promised land. Brothers and Sisters, the Lord invites us to his table this morning and here we again recall his faithfulness.  Here, like the Jews participating in each new generation in the events of the Exodus and finding their place in the people of God, we find our manna in the wilderness, we recall and participate in the death and resurrection of Jesus, and are reminded that we are his people and that, just as was promised so long ago, he has delivered us from our bondage to sin and death.  The sheep that were scattered, have been drawn together by the God of Israel.  You and I have heard the story of God's faithfulness.  We have come to Israel's king and submitted ourselves in faith.  And now, here at his Table, we experience his faithfulness ourselves as we eat the bread and drink the wine.  Here is our new covenant manna in the wilderness.  Finally, having known the faithfulness of God, we're summoned ourselves to walk in faith, trusting that the Lord will finish what he has begun, that he will do what he has promised. In our Collect we asked the Lord to “stir up our wills”.  We may have come to the end of another Church Year, but the story is hardly over.  Advent is almost here and with it the reminder that Jesus is coming and that as we wait for him, he's given his Church a mission and his own Spirit to ensure that mission is fulfilled.  He has made us stewards of the good news that he is this world's true Lord.  We have our own parts to play in this story.  And it's not an easy task.  But take heart.  The fact that the principalities and powers (as Paul described them in that Ephesians passage we read a couple weeks ago), the fact that they're fighting back means that we're precisely where the Lord wants us to be and doing what he wants us to do and the powers of darkness know it and fear what Jesus and the Spirit will accomplish through the church.  So don't give up.  Don't be afraid.  Don't be weary in well-doing.  Petition the Lord in faith, knowing that he is faithful to fulfil his promises.  Whether it takes a hundred years or a hundred thousand years for the world to answer the king's royal summons to faithful allegiance, he will be with us and he will equip us for every good work.  He will feed us in the wilderness and see us through to the promised land. Let's pray: Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people; that we may produce abundantly the fruit of good works, and receive your abundant reward, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

In today's devotional, Dr. Michael A. Youssef digs into our calling to be conduits of God's mercy.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, listen to Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Happiness Is in You, Part 5: LISTEN NOW

Matthew 5 | Everyone wants to be happy, but what if everything we thought about the way to get it was wrong? What if ‘the good life' – or ‘the blessed life' as Jesus calls it in his very first sermon – was found in the very places we often try to avoid? Tune in to hear our series on The Beatitudes, where we learn about the life God calls us to, how it looks nothing like we think, and why it's better than we could ever imagine.

In today's devotional, Dr. Michael A. Youssef explains that a thirst for righteousness is a natural outgrowth of a deepening relationship with Christ.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, listen to Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Happiness Is in You, Part 4: LISTEN NOW

Discover what Jesus taught us about the heart and mind of an ideal disciple. Join us as we examine the remaining beatitudes of Jesus in Matthew 5:7-12 with our guest, Danny Daley. Together, we'll explore what Jesus taught us when he described the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and the persecuted as blessed. Then we'll discuss how understanding and cultivating the dispositions Jesus described in the Beatitudes in our lives of discipleship gives the world a glimpse of God's kingdom here on earth. 

In today's devotional, Dr. Michael A. Youssef looks at the power of the meek.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, watch or listen to Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Happiness Is in You, Part 3: LISTEN NOW 

Episode 272 - They Will See God What if seeing God isn't about trying harder, but desiring Him more simply? For this week, the friars turn to the Beatitude: "Blessed are the pure of heart, for they will see God." In this episode, they explore what purity of heart really means, not moral perfection, but a heart that looks to Jesus without distraction, without divided desires, without constantly turning back toward the world. They talk about intimacy with God, the battle against distraction, how sin clouds our vision, and how purity isn't about hating yourself but forgetting yourself so you can finally fix your gaze on the One who loves you. Through the lens of St. Francis, the saints, and our own daily struggles, this conversation invites us to reorient our hearts toward the Father and receive again the joy that comes from seeing Him clearly. Walk with us as we learn to desire what He desires and see God in a new and life-changing way. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you!

In today's devotional, Dr. Michael A. Youssef explains what Jesus meant when He said those who mourn are blessed.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, watch or listen to Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Happiness Is in You, Part 2: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

Pastor Troy Smothermon explores what Jesus actually meant when He taught us to love our enemies and respond with grace. Through a pastor's personal story and the words of Luke 6:29–30, we unpack the difference between true Christ-like love and the misconceptions that often surround it.The message makes clear what Jesus is not saying:• He's not calling us to be doormats or to enable abuse.• He's not forbidding self-defense or wisdom in dangerous situations.• He's not asking us to fund someone's dysfunction or irresponsibility.Instead, we learn the power of small acts of kindness, the importance of serving others with joy, and how to walk in discernment, balance, and spiritual maturity. Through teachings from the Beatitudes and other supporting scriptures, we discover how to love fully and wisely.

Questions? Comments? Send Krisan a textHow can a believer live with real confidence that they belong to God, even while they still struggle with sin? In this episode of Wednesday in the Word, Krisan Marotta walks through key New Testament passages to show how God marks His people inwardly (by a changed heart that endures through testing) and how that mark becomes the basis of true assurance of salvation. In this week's episode, we explore:Why the question “How do I know I'm saved?” is not only common but crucialThe biblical idea of God “marking” His people—not outwardly, but by circumcising the heartHow holiness is first a change in direction of the heart, not instant moral perfectionThe fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 and what these qualities reveal about a heart inclined toward God How the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 describe the inner life of those who will enter the kingdom of heaven The difference between sinners who don't care about their sin and “righteous sinners” who grieve it and hunger for righteousnessWhy common approaches to assurance—like relying on a remembered prayer or only on God's general promises—can give false or incomplete comfort How Romans 5 teaches that tested faith, proven through suffering and perseverance, produces a hope that “does not put us to shame” Why God uses trials to reveal, both to us and to others, that His Spirit is truly at work in our heartsAfter listening, you'll come away with a clearer, more biblically grounded understanding of assurance. You'll see that the evidence of salvation is not a flawless life or a perfectly steady heart, but a tested faith that continues to seek God, hate sin, and long for His kingdom. And you'll be encouraged to view your trials not as proof that God has abandoned you, but as the very means by which He makes it visible that you belong to Him.Start Strong: A New Believer's Guide to Christianity launches January 9, but you can pre-order your copy now. Just visit StartStrongBook.org for more details.

Matthew 5 & John 12 | Everyone wants to be happy, but what if everything we thought about the way to get it was wrong? What if ‘the good life' – or ‘the blessed life' as Jesus calls it in his very first sermon – was found in the very places we often try to avoid? Tune in to hear our series on The Beatitudes, where we learn about the life God calls us to, how it looks nothing like we think, and why it's better than we could ever imagine.

In today's devotional, Dr. Michael A. Youssef explains the importance of being conscious of our sinful nature.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, watch or listen to Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Happiness Is in You, Part 1: LISTEN NOW| WATCH NOW

Send us a textWe trace the universal call to holiness from Scripture and the Catechism into daily life, showing how grace, sacraments, prayer, virtue, and the Beatitudes shape a realistic path to sainthood. Stories of saints and clear practices turn a high ideal into steps anyone can take today.• baptism as identity and mission • holiness as practical and universal • Scripture and Vatican II on sanctity • grace through the sacraments as fuel • prayer rhythms that anchor the day • Eucharist as source of transformation • lessons from Thérèse, Francis, Gianna, José • seven virtues as a growth framework • Beatitudes applied to modern life • love of God and neighbor as the heart of sainthoodVisit journeys of faith and take your first inspired step Be sure to click the link in the description for special news item And since there is more to this article, finish reading and check out the special offer Visit JourneysofFaith.com website todayExplore Journeys of Faith Catholic Saints ShopOpen by Steve Bailey Support the show

Follow along with Pastor Jordan Rousselle here.

In this episode the original four hosts begin a new series going through the sermon on the mount, starting with the beatitudes! This episode is a deep dive into being poor in spirit. Check out our website, Thehandlebarpodcast.com for more information, merch, how to partner with us and more. You can subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thehandlebarpodcastYou can purchase BIG JESUS here: https://upperroom.store/products/big-jesus

Send us a textGet ready for something totally different on The FORGE Truth Podcast. Pete Alwinson and Jayson Quiñones step into the ring for a full Bible Knowledge Showdown. Zach throws out categories, curveballs, speed rounds, and closest to the pin challenges while listeners play along at home. The guys tackle everything from the twelve disciples and the plagues of Egypt to the armor of God and the Beatitudes. It is competitive, hilarious, and unexpectedly humbling as Pete and Jayson discover just how much we all forget if we are not in the Word consistently. Underneath all the fun is a powerful reminder that Scripture is always calling us deeper and that men grow stronger when they stay rooted in the truth of God.

Sun., Nov. 16The Wisdom of the Beatitudes, Part Iwith Michelle MedranoThere are many interpretations of the meaning of the Beatitudes articulated by Jesus. Explore different approaches and examine the first four Beatitudes, considering how they can guide you on your spiritual journey.

If you want to give through Grace Church you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/grace-alone?src=hpp&r=monthlyJoin us for Pastor Rick's new sermon series, “Life's Healing Choices,” where we explore the transformative power of the Beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Discover the eight principles that lead us to true happiness and wholeness, guiding us toward healthier, more fulfilling lives. Each week, Pastor Rick will delve into how embracing these choices nurture our spirits and strengthen our relationships. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock the blessings that come from living in alignment with God's wisdom!Find out more about Grace Church here: https://gracechurchco.com/

Have you ever wondered what it means to truly live in peace while standing firm in your faith? Pastor Dave delivers a powerful message on the transformative power of being a peacemaker and persevering through persecution. Drawing from the Beatitudes, he reveals how pursuing peace isn't passive—it requires actively choosing reconciliation even when relationships are strained. Through vivid examples and Scripture, Pastor Dave shows that persecution often comes when we take bold stands for righteousness, but this shouldn't discourage us. Instead, we're called to "rejoice and be exceedingly glad," knowing our eternal reward far outweighs temporary struggles. Whether you're facing relational conflicts or feeling attacked for your faith, this timely message offers practical wisdom for walking as a peacemaker while remaining unshakeable in your convictions. Don't miss this inspiring conclusion to the Beatitudes series!Matthew 5:1-12 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4 Blessed are those who mourn,For they shall be comforted.5 Blessed are the meek,For they shall inherit the [a]earth.6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,For they shall be filled.7 Blessed are the merciful,For they shall obtain mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart,For they shall see God.9 Blessed are the peacemakers,For they shall be called sons of God.10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:Romans 12:18 As much as you can, live in peace with all men. KJV as much as it lies with you2 Corinthians 4:9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—

Have you ever wondered what it means to truly live in peace while standing firm in your faith? Pastor Dave delivers a powerful message on the transformative power of being a peacemaker and persevering through persecution. Drawing from the Beatitudes, he reveals how pursuing peace isn't passive—it requires actively choosing reconciliation even when relationships are strained. Through vivid examples and Scripture, Pastor Dave shows that persecution often comes when we take bold stands for righteousness, but this shouldn't discourage us. Instead, we're called to "rejoice and be exceedingly glad," knowing our eternal reward far outweighs temporary struggles. Whether you're facing relational conflicts or feeling attacked for your faith, this timely message offers practical wisdom for walking as a peacemaker while remaining unshakeable in your convictions. Don't miss this inspiring conclusion to the Beatitudes series!Matthew 5:1-12 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4 Blessed are those who mourn,For they shall be comforted.5 Blessed are the meek,For they shall inherit the [a]earth.6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,For they shall be filled.7 Blessed are the merciful,For they shall obtain mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart,For they shall see God.9 Blessed are the peacemakers,For they shall be called sons of God.10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:Romans 12:18 As much as you can, live in peace with all men. KJV as much as it lies with you2 Corinthians 4:9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—

This exploration of the Beatitudes takes us deep into Jesus' radical vision of peacemaking in a world torn by conflict. Drawing from Matthew 5:9-12, we discover that biblical peace isn't simply the absence of conflict—it's the active presence of harmony that we must intentionally cultivate. The sermon brilliantly sets the historical stage, placing us in first-century occupied Israel where Jesus spoke to a crowd containing Sadducees who compromised with Rome, Pharisees focused on religious law, Essenes who withdrew to the desert, and Zealots ready for violent revolt. Each group had their own version of 'peace,' yet Jesus calls us to something entirely different: stepping into arenas of conflict as peacemakers who reflect God's character. This isn't easy work—it requires us to move toward both neighbors and enemies with generous mercy and pure motives. The transformation from a heart of stone to a heart of flesh, promised in Ezekiel 36:26, enables us to become 'peace doers' who actively create harmony. We're challenged to examine whether we're truly making peace or simply bulldozing through relationships with our version of 'truth.' The message calls us beyond misplaced zeal—beyond screaming condemnation—to genuine relationship-building that reflects Christ's sacrificial love. This is the good life Jesus promises: not comfort, but the deep fulfillment of living as children of God who bear His family resemblance through authentic peacemaking.

This morning Pastor Blake is continuing his series titled, "Happy Is..." based on the Beatitudes. Today he is focusing on verse 8, "Blessed Are The Pure in Heart".

The Beatitudes have provided generations of Christians comfort, guidance, and strength for their faith. Join Groundwork as we study the first four of Jesus' Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-6 to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be poor in spirit, to mourn, to be meek, and to hunger and thirst for righteousness. We'll also discuss why Jesus promises the kingdom of heaven and blesses those who possess these dispositions, and why he invites us to cultivate them in our own lives of discipleship. 

The storms of life can sweep you away unless your foundation is built on something immovable and unchanging - a relationship with Jesus Christ. Jill explores the Beatitudes and gives practical guidelines about the outward actions and inward attitudes of believers. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1141/29?v=20251111

The storms of life can sweep you away unless your foundation is built on something immovable and unchanging - a relationship with Jesus Christ. Jill explores the Beatitudes and gives practical guidelines about the outward actions and inward attitudes of believers. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1141/29?v=20251111

Episode 271 - Fire, Desire, Theosis What do you really hunger and thirst for? As the friars continue through the Franciscan Lent, they dive deep into the Beatitude: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied." This conversation is about holy desire, the kind that burns, refines, and draws us closer to God Himself. They unpack what it means to let go of lesser hungers, to purify our desires, and to rediscover the fire that leads to union with God. From St. Francis' radical poverty to our own longing for holiness, the friars remind us that this journey isn't about doing more, but actually about becoming more like Him. Join us as we learn to hunger for what truly satisfies, the very life of God alive within us. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you!

The storms of life can sweep you away unless your foundation is built on something immovable and unchanging - a relationship with Jesus Christ. Jill explores the Beatitudes and gives practical guidelines about the outward actions and inward attitudes of believers. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1141/29?v=20251111

Are you waiting to be “blessed” someday, or activelybuilding the life you want now? Michelle revisits the Beatitudes through an Aramaic lens and reframes “blessed” as an invitation to act: get up, move, build. Heaven-on-earth isn't later; it's what we co-create today. You'll learn:Why “blessed” is active, not passiveQuestions to align what you're building with who you areHow small, consistent action compounds into meaningA mindset shift from surviving to thriving… right nowJoin tonight's open Zoom on crafting high-quality content(details below). Michelle@GrowBy1.comwww.GrowBy1.com/IntuitiveReadingTopic: Open Q & A MCLT Content NightTime: Nov 11, 2025 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)Join Zoom MeetingMeeting ID: 849 7710 8307Passcode: Content

Pastor Ben Ortize continues with part 3 of the series, 'The Beatitudes' in Matthew 5:5.

By Scott Brummett - An in-depth look into the beatitudes listed in Matthew 5, importance of the order they are listed in, and how they relate to Jesus Christ.

Episode 270 - Franciscan Lent After a season of Jubilee rest, the friars return with fresh hearts and a new invitation: to enter the "Franciscan Lent", a hidden season of simplicity, detachment, and joyful expectation. Drawing from the life of St. Francis and the Beatitudes, they explore what it really means to become small, to depend completely on God, and to let Him provide what we cannot. This episode isn't about doing more, it's about letting go, trusting deeply, and rediscovering the joy that comes from poverty of spirit. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you!