Happiness!

For Friday, August 21, 2020. 

Matthew 5:3 CEV: “God blesses those people who depend only on him. They belong to the kingdom of heaven!”

This scripture is the beginning of Jesus’ teaching known as ‘The Beatitudes,’ extreme blessedness or happiness. The concept here is somewhat lost in translation from the original language. ‘Joy’ or ‘happiness’ is oftentimes what is implied by the word ‘blessed.’ Happiness is NOT the opposite of reverence – they should both go together! I’ve always believed that worshiping the Lord should be fun, enjoyable, something we look forward to. God is good, and our association with Him always proves to be a good thing – Enjoy! 

The other concept here is belonging or inclusion. Everybody WANTS to be included; everybody LIKES being included! Example: “Three of us are going to the event, and we’d like to include you! There’s room in the car – we could pick you up…” That’s how you include someone.

But in today’s scripture, it’s bigger and more important than that. Because you’re a believer, God wants to bless you with happiness and include you in His Kingdom. Friends, it doesn’t get any better than that! 

Blessings to all!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406