Upside Down Attitudes

    

 In Matthew 5 Jesus sits down with His 12 disciples on a mountain side and begins to teach them. Times were hard and difficult. Israel was under Roman Rule. They were hurting financially and were just discouraged and ready to give up. Jesus also knew that these 12 men and many others would go through times of persecution and hardships. Jesus goal was to prepare them for the Real World. He taught them how to have the right ATTITUDE in difficult times. The same is true with us. We need to have the right attitude during these difficult days.
   Each Beatitude begins with the word "Blessed", which means to be "happy and filled with inner joy and peace". It does not depend on outward circumstances, but on our relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the only one that can give us an attitude of peace, bliss and peace - NO MATTER what happened around us.
   These 8 short statements go totally against what everybody else is thinking and promoting. To the Jews these statements were shocking, backwards and upside down. Just plain radical and even offensive.
   What makes YOU Happy or Blessed today?
"If only I had ________ or could do _________, I would be happy. (You fill in the blanks.)
Most people would say if only I had more money, fame, a better job, better looks, a new car or bigger house, etc... 
If you really want to be "RICH" follow these radical, upside down radical Beatitudes. This is where the real "GOLD" is found - only in Jesus Christ. It is better than winning the lottery and the key to a Happy and Blessed life and attitudes.
      Are you ready to take on the UPSIDE DOWN Attitudes of our Lord?
    Take a minute or two and read Matthew 5:1-10 and Be Ready to get started being truly Happy and Blessed.