Joy Dare

So... I am doing Ann Voskamp's Joy Dare and counting to {an extra} 1,000 Gifts in 2012! Will you join me?

I read from Matthew 5:1-26 this morning during my quiet time and The Beatitudes are a part of these verses.

I thought it to be quite appropriate to start this Joy Dare by meditating on The Beatitudes... it sets the tone for being thankful in whatever circumstance we find ourselves in... it especially teaches us to *feel* and *know* that we are blessed when things don't particularly go our way.

I love how The Message words The Beatitudes...

You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

You're blessed when you're content with just who you are — no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. 

You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.

You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.

You're blessed when you get your inside world — your mind and heart — put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.

You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.

Not only that — count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens — give a cheer, even! — for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

~ Matthew 5:3-12, The Message.

I will be posting the whole month's grace-gifts on the last day of each month. I am looking forward to counting {an extra} 1,000 gifts this year... and looking forward to looking back at the end of 2012... on the greatness of God's faithfulness!

Click on the banners below to learn more about counting to 1,000 Gifts...
Jump in... I promise you will be blessed!

Unwrapping more of His love in this world.

Act justly.  Love mercy.  Walk humbly with God!