"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:11-12 These words don't feel like comfort words. They point out the ugliness in the world. They point out situations where relationships are strained because of differing opinions. If you've experienced it, you know that to stand a

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 I don't really know persecution. Living in a country where most of my life I've been allowed to speak my opinions, worship freely, and walk in freedom, I have no idea what it is like to be persecuted for righteousness. An article in Global Christian Relief tells the story of Lawan Andimi. Before his death in January of 2020, Andimi led thousands to faith in Jesus Ch

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9 What is a peace maker? According to Reverand Billy Graham, in his article, Billy Graham on Peace, he tells us that peace is not only the absence of conflict, but it is the deep, abiding peace that only Jesus can offer us. Billy Graham is quoted as saying; "Peacemaking is a noble vocation . . . To be a peacemaker, you must know the Peace-Giver." In an article by John Piper, on desiringGod, he poi

"Blessed are the pure in heart. For they shall see God." Matthew 5:8 I admit, the morning I sat down to study these words, I was angry at God. My mom, 96 years young, had taken a fall leaving her body badly beaten. In my eyes, mom was pure in heart, servant to many, kind, generous, fun-loving but at this moment in time, she didn't appear to be "blessed." My journal that morning testifies to my inner struggle spilling out to God. Somewhere in the "why God" I relented to Him, p

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." Matthew 5:7 What does it mean to be merciful? According to Merriam-Webster's dictionary, mercy means 1. compassion, leniency, or restraint shown especially to an offender or to one subject to the power of another. 2. a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion 3. compassionate treatment of those in distress. Interesting that each of those definitions use the word 'compassion' which according to Merriam-Webst

Today represents the 250th birthday of this great nation, America. I find it interesting that in 1774 the prayer below, was offered up to our Almighty God. It is listed as the First Prayer of the Continental Congress. I'm sharing the link to this great prayer below. First Prayer of the Continental Congress, 1774 May we humbly gather at the feet of Jesus and look to the Almighty for wisdom, grace, direction and strength. May America continue to walk in freedom. And even tho

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6 According to Merriam Websters' dictionary, hunger means a strong desire. Thirst means an ardent desire: craving, longing. The folks in Jesus' time would have known what it was like to experience deep hunger for food and deep thirst in the desert terrain. Remember the folks in Judea did not have our modern conveniences of refrigeration, running water, electricity. I can't relate

"Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth." Matthew 5:5 I used to think that the word meek meant weak. In English meek translates as mild or soft. But the Greek word used here is Praus. According to the Blue Letter Bible App, this word would describe a powerful war horse willing to go into the thick of battle as directed by its rider. Don't miss this-the war horse is in service to the rider, it's Master. This would lead to the question, whom do you serve? Being

The Beatitude Series-part 2 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 I am in a season of mourning. Mike and I have all too recently lost both of our moms. They are walking now, pain-free, on the golden streets of heaven. Maybe dancing. Certainly celebrating with their loved ones. But today I mourn. I miss these two lovely ladies. One, my dear sweet mom and the other, our beloved Betty. Living in the blessing, though, the Makarios, helps me to real

I've been meditating on the Beatitudes in Matthew chapter five for quite some time now. Drinking in the Scriptures one by one. Reading commentaries. Studying the words. Asking the Lord to help me to understand them. May I share in a short series, how the Lord has blessed me in the reading of these words? The Bible tells us that upon seeing the multitudes of folks gathering on the mountain, Jesus taught these words. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of

The I Peter 1:4 speaks of our inheritance as Christians. An inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. One that is kept in heaven for us. So I would like to share about our mom’s beautiful last day here in this world. A Full Day Danny, Lenore, Diana, Randy, Janet, Margie and myself had been with mom along with many others-family and friends. Cousin Lori and her husband Steve brought roses and memories. Pastor Terri had come by to give communion to all of us and to pray

“Man plans his ways but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 I’m in THAT season. It hasn’t been fun. It’s been hard, humbling, sad, and confusing. In the past few months Mike and I watched our plans get interrupted as God determined the new steps. I'd like to say that we handled the changes well but . . . We didn't understand God's steps, the interruptions and the changes we were about to face. Our beloved Betty, Mike’s mom, passed away quickly-within a week. Suddenl

I don’t know about you but for me it seems like it’s getting harder to focus on Jesus these days. Maybe it’s the season I’m in. Maybe it’s in the air we breathe. Or the “in your face” news feeds, television, social media outlets spewing opinions, vying for our attention. There is so much deception everywhere. And hate. I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed the hatred I’m seeing now. Hatred for each other. Hatred for a man. A party. A movement. Intolerance. There’s an underlying a

Today I want to put out some ways that Minnesotans can be involved in our government. 1 Timothy 2:1-3 (NIV) 1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, PRAY Most importantly we are called to prayer. Pray for ALL in authority. Note the results of our prayers in t

In less than 5 months, Americans will be heading to their voting polls. Are you ready? As of this date, we are still the land of the free and the home of the brave. But my friends, I fear we are at risk of losing our freedoms. Do you have plans to cast your vote? This mid-term election is of utmost importance. We will be voting for Governor, Lt Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Auditor, Mn House and Senate positions. Is this important? YES! In Minnesota

Bonnie Gaspar, Child Protection League, spoke about the shallow brain. Have you ever wondered what the effects of too much screen time will have on the younger generations? As a grandma, I'm amazed at how technologically "smart" my grandchildren are. Often I have to ask these young ones to help me with my devices. Once while finding myself alone with my 3 year old grandson. He wanted to watch a certain show. I couldn't understand his words. Using an unfamiliar remote for a te

Mark Trammel, CEO of Center for American Liberty, was another speaker at the Join the Movement Conference put on by the Child Protection League in April. Liz Collin of Alpha News introduced Mark, and said of the Center for American Liberty, that they are "winning cases holding those who violate civil liberties accountable." As in the title of his talk, Mark would add, "One lawsuit at a time." Mark began by talking about the "pipeline of profit" in transitioning our children,

As part of celebrating the 250th birthday of our country, President Trump invited America's great religious communities to pray for our nation and for our people. "So as we chart our course for the next 250 years, let us rededicate ourselves to one nation under God." (President Trump, Iowa, July 3, 2025) When I read a post by Karin Miller inviting Christians to pray for our nation, I knew I had to be there. She and her group had reserved space in Cass Gilbert Park near the Ad

Dr. Cretella is a pediatrician, researcher, educator, writer and speaker. She has served in leadership of the American College of Pediatricians and continues to speak publicly on issues impacting children and families. In addressing the issues of Healing from Gender Dysphoria, Dr. Cretella urges parents to recognize the spiritual and cultural moment we are living in. She calls the audience to respond with courage, clarity, and compassion. She offers resources for families

Mike and I recently had the opportunity to attend the "Join the Movement Conference" put on by the Child Protection League. What an honor to be present with folks who are following God and His calling on their lives. Those who recognize that we are but "strangers in a foreign land." (I Peter 2:11) They have picked up their God assignments, have stayed faithful, persevering through many trials, to speak the truth about the attack on our children. While at times the conference