Category Archives: Pondering Scripture

Ephesians 6:11-17 (New International Version) Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,against the powers of this … Continue reading →

Mark 4:30-33 (New Living Translation) Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, … Continue reading →

Matthew 5:11-12 (New International Version) Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the … Continue reading →

Matthew 5:10 (New International Version) Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Jesus proclaimed that people who are “persecuted because of righteousness” are especially blessed. In the next posting we’ll look more in … Continue reading →

Matthew 5:9 (New International Version) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. The Greek eironopoios means establishing a friendly relationship between persons.* This implies that there was not a “friendly relationship” prior to the peacemaking. Peacemaking is, … Continue reading →

Matthew 5:8 (New International Version) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. When we see a bright red heart on a card or bumper sticker, we automatically insert the word “love.” If we hear that someone … Continue reading →

Matthew 5:7 (New International Version) Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. This is a very, very straightforward message. No tricky words. No ambiguous translations. If you want to receive mercy, you need to show mercy. Later … Continue reading →

Matthew 5:6 (New International Version) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. In a different context, addressing his disciples and the surrounding crowd, Jesus spoke similar words: “Blessed are you who hunger now, for … Continue reading →

Matthew 5:5 (New International Version) Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Hero. What is the first thing you thought of when you read that word? “Hero.” Maybe you thought of a “superhero” like Iron Man or … Continue reading →

Matthew 5:4 (New International Version) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. One of my spiritual heroes is Henri Nouwen, who wrote this beautiful passage: “Every time we make the decision to love someone, we open ourselves … Continue reading →