Spiritual healing begins in the timeless words of Jesus Christ This is the good news of God! Great multitudes and throngs of people continue to seek and try to touch the Healer generation after generation. It is in His words that we are empowered and energized to begin the life process of spiritual transformation. All sexual orientations are called to one common spiritual orientation to the Christ. Here is yet another picture of Romans 12:2! You’re blessed!

Sometimes a different translation brings fresh life into these famous words of Christ. This translation comes from Eugene Peterson, in The Message. "You’re blessed when you’ve lost it all. God’s kingdom is there for the finding. You’re blessed when you’re ravenously hungry. Then you’re ready for the Messianic meal. You’re blessed when the tears flow freely. Joy comes with the morning. Count yourself blessed every time someone smears or blackens your name to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and that that person is uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens-skip like a lamb, if you like!-for even though they don’t like it, I do....and all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company; my preachers and witnesses have always been treated like this.......Your task is to be true, not popular."

The Sermon on the Mount is found in two gospel accounts. Luke’s account is written from a physicians’ perspective on the Greatest Physician. The other is found in Matthew chapter 5 through the perspective of a despised tax-collector now called into the inner circle of Christian discipleship.

What is a Christian disciple? Bill Hybels defines discipleship as helping totally irreligious people become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. The Sermon on the Mount (also known as the Beatitudes) is a great place to begin our spiritual journey. These Beatitudes give us great insight into the mind and heart of Christ. Eventually these words led him to the cross. These are revolutionary words. Jesus is not preaching a health, wealth and prosperity gospel. He’s preaching a gospel of God’s blessing. You’re blessed!

By the year 2000, it is estimated that approximately 70 % of adult Americans will be unable to identify a gospel or who preached this Sermon on the Mount! Among that number, 40 % will not know what Christians celebrate on Easter. Christians are now a spiritual minority. These wonderful words of blessing are ours in a world full of cursing. The world is full of seekers, doubters and skeptics searching for soul food which blesses into wholeness and God’s peace.

This Sermon on the Mount is full of soul food for a lifetime! God wishes to bless each of us in these words for living. May the Spirit of Christ and Peace of God be with each reader. May blessing upon blessing surprise each of us with joy. Share these blessings with others! They will be glad you did.

The author of this material is "Surprised by Joy" (surprisedbyjoy@yahoo.com). "Surprised by Joy" is an ordained UFMCC Christian minister who discovered that God is wonder-full to be with. It is our hope and prayer at soulfoodministry.org that all visitors will experience the tenderloving-kindness of God and receive spiritual food for their journey.