Matthew 5:8 “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

· Concept: Getting your inside world put right means what? What does it mean for you to have it all together?

· When you find you are in a right place with God, what happens to your defenses? Does it change how you relate to others? What makes you safe for others?

· Transparency is the greatest dynamic in relationships with others. Trust is not built by hiding and defensiveness. It is built by openness and security.

Matthew 5:9 “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

· Your transparency in motivation and actions opens the door for real engagement to happen.

Matthew 5:10 “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.

· As we embrace peacemaking we are revealing our maturity. A mature Christian will cause others to consider their life and the road they are on. That can create discomfort and a reaction to an internal challenge.

11-12 “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable.

You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

· Christ introduces the concept of gladness and joy that come from rejection.

Matthew 5:13 “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

· We go a long way in finding meaning and solid purpose when we embrace the main calling on our lives. Any gifting is given to help you fulfill God’s desire for your life.. To Disciple.

14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

· Notice the process. Open up to others with your lives. Be transparent. In being pure and transparent you’ll show the way for others to open up with GOD!!

2 Corinthians 6:3-10 Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Don’t put it off; don’t frustrate God’s work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we’re doing. Our work as God’s servants gets validated—or not—in the details.

People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly . . . in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we’re beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we’re telling the truth, and when God’s showing his power;

when we’re doing our best setting things right; when we’re praised, and when we’re blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die;

immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all. 11-13 Dear, dear Corinthians, I can’t tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn’t fence you in.

The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren’t small, but you’re living them in a small way. I’m speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!