Patrick J. Vaughan

This book is based on Matthew; Chapter 5; verses 3 to 12. These verses are referred to in the Bible as the "Beatitudes" Beatitudes are also referred to as Blessings; more than just blessings as you might think, but as "Supreme Blessing". Supreme Blessings are the highest form of Blessings that only come from Heaven; blessings that entail much more than just money as many would expect. In fact, money can be a curse given at the wrong time or for the wrong thing. Supreme Blessings can include money; but also love, joy, peace, favor, happiness, health, and contentment. So spiritual prosperity is what is the most important. Matthew Chapter 5 has a double meaning in the beatitude. Not just blessing, but the attitude that comes with the blessing. Do we worship just the Blessing, or the one of whom all Blessings flow.

Jerusalem is currently the capital of Israel, although many do not recognize this city as Israel's capital. It is the holiest city in Israel and considered the third holiest city of Islam. There is such a deep history with many Biblical facts. Why do we want to explain this through the Bible? The main reason is that this is a spiritual city. Ask anyone whether Christian, Jew, or Muslim All would agree that this is not only a spiritual city, but more than that; it is an epicenter for all in this world and also in the next. The name Jerusalem means "Founded Peaceful". How ironic is that since peace is one thing that this city or territory is not having. But peace is the prophetic end to this city. Actually when the name of this city is broken down, it means (Jeruel); "Founded of God" or better yet established by God, and Salem meaning Peace.

"And from the days of John the Baptist till now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force." (Matthew 11:12) Just from reading the scripture above, you know there is a battle for the Kingdom, but much more than that there is an outright war in the spiritual realm which manifests into our physical realm. Violence means malice, oppression, overthrow, sudden attacks, intimidation, and outright robbery. John 10:10 warns us; "The thief comes to steal, to kill, and to destroy." The thief is your enemy, and the enemy is the devil. The devil wants nothing more than to totally annihilate and to destroy you. You were made in the image of God and he hates God. So being in that same image, he hates you also. If you continue to go about your life denying you have an enemy, you will be destroyed. If you walk along his path, you will be destroyed. If you walk away from God and His Word, you will be destroyed. Anytime you fight with your wife or anyone else, you are being attacked by your enemy. If there is strife and a lack of peace and joy, you are in a spiritual battle with your enemy. If you are suffering lack and you are in debt or if your finances seem to be falling through the virtual holes in a bucket, you are being attacked by the enemy.

Although mercy has pardoned us and is something to shout about, grace is even more exciting. Where mercy is not receiving punishment for what we have done, grace is receiving blessings and rewards when we really do nothing to receive them. Grace is favor, but more accurately divine favor. Grace is said to not be fair. There are many who say when they see the divine favor upon another that this is not fair; they did nothing special to receive this kind of blessing. Grace is favor, but unmerited favor. Grace is given to all who please God, but really still is unearned. Grace is given to those who long to do his will. Grace is given to accomplish the will of the Father. Grace is the hand of God on another, but it is primarily the smile of God on a person.