Song: Lean Back

By Grace Capital

Verse
You will never leave
Your love sustaining me
Before I even knew what love was
You’ve brought me here to rest
And given me space to breathe
So I’ll stay still until it sinks in

Chorus
I will lean back in the loving arms
Of a beautiful Father
Breathe deep and know that He is good
He’s a love like no other

Bridge
Now I can see Your love is better
Than all the others that I’ve seen
I am breathing deep all of Your goodness
Your loving-kindness to me

Matthew 5:1-12

Imagine

Use your imagination to help place yourself in the same setting that this scripture happened.

• What is Jesus wearing?

• What does the place feel like? Hot? Cold?

• What is it like on the mountain?

• What are you feeling? Tired from walking? Hungry? Thirsty?

As you read: What will God’s Spirit say to you through this scripture?

The Scripture (MSG)

1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

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

4 “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.

5 “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.

6 “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.

7 “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.

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

9 “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.

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

11-12 “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.

Reflection

1. What was one verse or idea that stuck out to you?

2. What did God’s Spirit say to you through this scripture?

3. Have you ever felt like you are at the end of your rope?

4. Are you content with what you own? With who you are?

5. How is your appetite for God?

6. Why is being persecuted a blessing? Isn't that backwards?

7. What do people say about you when they learn you are a Christian?

The Challenge

Each day this week do one or more of the following:

1. Listen to the song

2. Read the scripture

3. Reflect on the questions