Adorning the Gospel: June 8, 09

When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and after He sat down,
His disciples came to Him. Then He began to teach them,
saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Blessed are those who mourn,
because they will be comforted.
Blessed are the gentle,
because they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger
and thirst for righteousness,
because they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
because they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
because they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
because they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness,
because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you."(Matt 5:11-12)

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
Those who know Your name trust in You because You have not abandoned those who seek You, Lord. (Psalm 9:9-10)

Happiness in the kingdom of God is achieved by such different attitudes and rules -- different from the world's How to Succeed Rules.