DO YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY OR BLESSED?

            Our Lord Jesus Christ begins His first recorded public sermon in the first Gospel of the New Testament with what we know as the Beatitudes.  The Eight Beatitudes are found in Matthew 5:3-10.  We at Crossties Lutheran Ministry Resources, Inc. are Beatitude-based in our writing, workshops, and seminars. 

            Christ Jesus begins each of the Beatitudes with the word “Blessed”.  “Blessed” is the common translation of the Greek word makarios.  Makarios means to be in possession of the favor of God.  That favor is obtained only through faith and describes the state of a believer in Christ Jesus such that the believer is fully satisfied by the gift of reconciliation with God no matter what the circumstances may be in which the believer finds himself. 

            On the other hand, “happiness” generally means to be enjoying good luck in favorable circumstances. 

Only Blessedness empowers us to rejoice and give thanks for His grace no matter the circumstances in which we find ourselves.  We pray that the resources available in this website will serve as a blessing to you in your growing in God’s Saving Word.

            The Board of Directors, Crossties Lutheran Ministry Resources, Inc.