Carol McClain   I read the names of attendees at a recent two-day festival, one with stellar book sales. The name of one group I once belonged to stopped me. Excitement fled, and a heaviness filled my spirit. My joyful spirit turned sodden. Not them! Doesn’t matter. I’m not connected with them any longer. I squared …[ read more ]

Carol McClain Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 5:10 Ah the Beatitudes. How we love them. Until– Verse ten. Why did God put that one in? Blessed? How can we be blessed? Five Reasons to Love that People Hate What You Stand For 2 …[ read more ]

by Carol McClain Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matt, 5:9   Christian: are you a peacemaker or a troublemaker? Non-Christian: are you blaming the Christian for your lack of faith? Look at the checklists below and see how you need to adjust your attitudes.     When reading …[ read more ]

Carol McClain “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matt. 5:7 I sometimes think this Beatitude dovetails with the first of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20: 2: Thou shalt not have any gods besides me. And commandment number one segues into number two: do not make any graven image. In …[ read more ]

Carol McClain Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Matt. 5:7 Don Carson, a theologian and co-founder of Gospel Coalition, writes: “Mercy is a loving response prompted by the misery and helplessness of the one on which love is to be showered.” If I only knew then what I know now. I used …[ read more ]