Pastor Vince Thomas, Jr.
The Blessing of Self-Awareness
HIDDEN BLESSINGS Series (Part 2)


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EVERYONE
Weekly Bible Reading Plan: “Grieving with Hope” - http://bit.ly/tocgriefwithhope

"blessed" used in the Sermon on the Mount is the greek word markairos - “The hidden blessing of resting in God’s love to produce depth from within”

V.5 Humility - praus- meekness

the word meek—in Greek praus—was one of the great Greek ethical words. It was the balance of two extremes.

There is a blessing hidden in those who understand the right emotion to display at the right time.

There is a hidden blessing with those who have the humility to know their own ignorance, their own weakness, and their own need.

Selfish anger is always a sin; selfless anger can be one of the great moral dynamics of the world.

Proverbs 16:32 (Proverbs 16:32 (NLT): Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. )

Matthew 5:5 (Greek to English Rendering)

The hidden blessing of resting in God’s love for those who are always angry at the right time and never angry at the wrong time, who have every instinct, impulse and passion under control because they themselves are god-controlled, who have the humility to realize their own ignorance and their own weakness, to produce depth within for such people can indeed rule the world!

Matthew 5:6 in context

Hunger - a person’s wage in those days only permitted them to eat meat once a week. There was a momentary satisfaction and a perpetual hunger every day for the person who was working hard.

Signifies the job is never done even when there are accomplishments made.

Thirst - refreshing tap water was considered a “privilege” that everyone was not privy to. Until one could find water in those days, they had to put a turban on around their face to do the best they can to stay hydrated. Often times, to no avail.
signifies in our world and culture today, it seems even in one step forward in progress we are presented with two steps backward.

Hunger and thirst for righteousness is more than competition amongst Christians for the leader in moral grandstanding. It’s the commitment to be an active player in your community and in organizations that stand for change. That means completing our census (and reminding others to do the same), that means registering to vote (and leading up to election time helping others do the same). If that’s offering rides to those who are unable to get to the polls, we will do just that.

When we are not hungry or thirsting for God’s righteousness because we are filled with our own.

It was the mercy of God that brought His acceptance of us. When we can accept ourselves the way God accepts us, we can better show mercy to others.

Call-to-Action: WEEKLY DIGITAL FAST

"I am asking for every head of household to establish a Weekly Digital Fast. One hour a week, I am asking there are no electronics (TVs, Computer, Laptops, Tablets, or Screens). Use that time to draw closer to God and each other. Read the Bible, books, complete crossword puzzles, play board games but absolutely no electronics one hour a week." - Pastor Vince Thomas, Jr.

Question for E-Groups (www.theoutletcommunity.com/egroups)

How Are You? Really. (disclaimer: no one-word answers and cannot mention another person in relation to how you are feeling).

When you get knocked down, who do you give permission to ask the tough questions in your life?

How specifically could I be praying for you?

*Discuss these questions with family and friends this week.


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