When we hear the word blessed, many think of material increase or a carefree life without major problems. Yet, just because people have plenty of material goods or seemingly not much struggle; life can become just commonplace existence, with no real passion to keep stepping forward…. not blessed. Jesus offers so much more to those who call on His name when He proclaims, “Blessed are you”. Stepping forward in the Kingdom with the ‘Blessed One’ has the power to change gray waters of the everyday into spirituous wine of divine love. True blessing is when we know experientially that Jesus has forgiven all our sins…sends the Holy Spirit to help and live within us….and longs to be personally involved in our daily lives. When this living, powerful relationship with the Christ continues to grow and cultivate a seed of peace in our hearts, it’s surpasses human understanding or reasoning. The peace of the ‘Teacher’ is found as we experience his very Presence, and have ears to listen, and eyes to see insights into His Ways. We are the recipients of His favor and grace- He is on our side- He is for us not against us- He has defeated the enemy and given us authority in the Mighty Name of Jesus to tear down deceits, half-truths, double-mindedness, and all that attempts to keep us from moving forward into spiritual enlightenment. Because of Christ’s beautiful mercy and grace, the Holy Spirit is able to work the blessings of humility, meekness, mercy, purity, and peace into our hearts and minds, while we move forward on our earthly, spiritual journey. Our God is a merciful God, and He says, walk forth, merciful ones! You shall receive mercy! Happy are those who are able to remain sensitive to the misery and suffering of others, as our Lord did. The Kingdom belongs to the pure and gentle, not to the rigid of all our fundamentalisms. Rigid purity and keeping rules, without mercy is a delusion and spiritual danger to mankind. St. Catherine said, “The more pure of heart I am, the more my heart sees, and the more merciful it is. And the more merciful it is, the more it sees, and the purer it becomes. These are true, priceless, powerful blessings that will enable us to remain stable and fixed- allowing us to spiritually evolve into His likeness. He desires to lift us up above the chaos, confusion, and outward situations that fill our planet, and give us a life filled with the joy of the Lord, with overcoming passion, purpose, satisfaction, and contentment that circumstances cannot give or take away. Jesus also tells us that this state of blessedness is to be envied and desired. To be spiritually blessed and favored by God is a supernatural miracle that He desires to manifest in and through the lives of all His children. “What wealth is offered to you when you feel your spiritual poverty! For there is no charge to enter the realm of heaven’s kingdom. What delight comes to you when you wait upon the Lord! For you will find what you long for. What contentment floods you when gentleness lives in you! For you will inherit the earth. How enriched you are when you crave righteousness. For you will be surrounded with fruitfulness. How satisfied you are when you demonstrate tender mercy! For tender mercy will be demonstrated to you. What bliss you experience when your heart is pure! For then your eyes will open to see more and more of God. How blessed you are when you make peace! For then you will be recognized as a true child of God. How enriched you are when you bear the wounds of being persecuted for doing what is right! For that is when you experience the realm of heaven’s kingdom.” Matthew 5:3-10.