Monthly Archives: July 2024

To See God

Posted on July 16, 2024 by Don Merritt

The expression “pure in heart” refers to a person whose inner most thoughts, motivation and purpose are pure, clean, wholesome and good; this is the one who will see God. To see God is to believe in God, and even … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Merciful

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Don Merritt

Mercy is the most fundamental aspect of our relationship with God. We only have relationship with God because of His tremendous mercy, for without it, we are permanently estranged from Him. Thus, Jesus teaches mercy on our parts as a … Continue reading →

Posted in current events | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

For They Will Be Filled

Posted on July 14, 2024 by Don Merritt

I doubt that I need to discuss what it means to “hunger and thirst for righteousness” so let’s jump directly to what will become of the one who has no such desire. I think we can safely assume that the … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian living | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

For They Will Inherit the Earth

Posted on July 13, 2024 by Don Merritt

A person who is “meek” is often thought of as being resigned to their circumstances, even weak, but that really isn’t what is being described here. Those who are “meek” are those who understand that they are dependent upon God, … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian living | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Those Who Mourn

Posted on July 12, 2024 by Don Merritt

Most of the time, we don’t associate blessing with mourning; maybe we should rethink this… Matthew didn’t actually say what those blessed ones are mourning; it could be the loss of a loved one, it could be the loss of … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Poor in Spirit

Posted on July 11, 2024 by Don Merritt

The first Beatitude speaks of those who are “poor in spirit”. Much has been made about the difference between Matthew’s language and that of Luke in Luke 6:20, for Luke merely says “the poor”. Does Matthew have more in mind … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian living | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

God is My Help

Posted on July 11, 2024 by Don Merritt

Surely God is my help;    the Lord is the one who sustains me. Let evil recoil on those who slander me;    in your faithfulness destroy them. Psalm 54:4-5 It doesn’t sound like David was having a good day when he wrote this; he was … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian living | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Wednesday Class Notes: July 10, 2024

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Don Merritt

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

There is a Point to the Beatitudes

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Don Merritt

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian living | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Love, Justice and Our Response

Posted on July 9, 2024 by Don Merritt

I will sing of your love and justice;    to you, Lord, I will sing praise.I will be careful to lead a blameless life—    when will you come to me? Psalm 101:1-2a At first this may seem to be quite simple, but look closely and … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian living | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments