This year has been a crazy year. If you are like me, you just keep wishing and wanting the troubles of our times to blow over and go away. “Can’t we be done with this yet” is a common refrain that I find running through my mind. Can’t Covid19 just go away? Can’t we go back to work and normalcy? Can’t our kids go back to school and enjoy playgrounds? Can’t people all over stop being destructive and treat each other with love and dignity? Can’t the stock market stop play

Matthew 5 lists 9 declarations of the blessedness of those who follow Christ. These 'B-attitudes' are difficult to grasp because each statement identifies people who are characterized by difficulty, struggle, and hard work. 'Blessed' involves being fulfilled, gifted, joyful, and blessed. When are we blessed, or feel blessed? Present tense is seen in vss. 3 & 10. Future tense is seen in six declarations. "When"-ever you are reviled and persecuted for Christ's sake is in v