Broken and Blessed

The Beatitudes, Pt. 1 | February 16, 2025

Pastor Wes Morris

Matthew 5:3-12 (NIV) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:3 (NIV) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

✓ Spiritual Brokenness - A deep awareness of our need for God.

Matthew 5:3 (NLT) God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

We will never depend on something we don't think we need.

✓ True fulfillment isn’t found through self-sufficiency but in surrender.

✓ When we acknowledge our need for God, we open our hearts to His power.

Psalm 73:26 (NIV) My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Psalm 73:26 (MSG) You’re all I want in heaven! You’re all I want on earth! When my skin sags and my bones get brittle, God is rock-firm and faithful

BROKEN AND BLESSED

II Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT) Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

I. FIND PURPOSE IN THE PAIN.

I Peter 5:10-11 (MSG) Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.

II. FIND INTIMACY WITH GOD.

We enjoy God on the mountaintops, but we get to know Him intimately in the valleys. - Rick Warren

Psalm 51:17 (NLT) The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

Psalm 23:4 (NIV) Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

III. FIND HEALING IN SURRENDER.

Matthew 11:28-29 (NLT) Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. God cannot heal what we refuse to surrender.