The Pursuit of Happiness--God's Way

The Pursuit of Happiness--God's Way

Author: Servais Pinckaers

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2011-07-18

Total Pages: 217

ISBN-13: 161097493X

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When we think of happiness, we have to admit that our idea is at times worldly and self-centered. Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount showed us that true happiness will elude us, however, if we follow that kind of thinking. And, in the form of a series of promises and challenges, which we have come to know as the Beatitudes, He told us how to find perfect happiness--both here and in the hereafter. In a world that is capable of the best and the worst, we all have reason to be concerned about the very possibility of ever finding happiness in our lifetimes. The good news of the Gospel message is that we can. Even more, it teaches a way based not on rules and obligations so much as one founded on love, a way that depends upon and leads to the blessings of God Himself. These pages have been written in the conviction that every seeker should make the Sermon on the Mount the primary source of what will and will not make her happy. In His approach to the question, Jesus insists from the outset that we face up to the inevitable trials of life: poverty, tears, hunger and thirst, and shows us how we can find God--the source and object of our joy--in the midst of them.


Book Synopsis The Pursuit of Happiness--God's Way by : Servais Pinckaers

Download or read book The Pursuit of Happiness--God's Way written by Servais Pinckaers and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2011-07-18 with total page 217 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When we think of happiness, we have to admit that our idea is at times worldly and self-centered. Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount showed us that true happiness will elude us, however, if we follow that kind of thinking. And, in the form of a series of promises and challenges, which we have come to know as the Beatitudes, He told us how to find perfect happiness--both here and in the hereafter. In a world that is capable of the best and the worst, we all have reason to be concerned about the very possibility of ever finding happiness in our lifetimes. The good news of the Gospel message is that we can. Even more, it teaches a way based not on rules and obligations so much as one founded on love, a way that depends upon and leads to the blessings of God Himself. These pages have been written in the conviction that every seeker should make the Sermon on the Mount the primary source of what will and will not make her happy. In His approach to the question, Jesus insists from the outset that we face up to the inevitable trials of life: poverty, tears, hunger and thirst, and shows us how we can find God--the source and object of our joy--in the midst of them.

The Way of Beatitude

The Way of Beatitude

Author: Casey Cole OFM

Publisher: Ave Maria Press

Published: 2022-04-08

Total Pages: 128

ISBN-13: 1646801466

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What if we looked at the things we see wrong in the world with empathy, dug below the surface of people’s disappointing actions to experience their pain, and understood hurtful words as a cry for consolation? What if we responded with sorrow instead of outrage, and love instead of hate? If we could do all that, we’d be living as Jesus taught us in the Beatitudes. Fr. Casey Cole, OFM—host of YouTube’s Breaking the Habit—wants you to embrace the pain caused by anger and division in the world and then look to Jesus for hope through the Beatitudes. “The only thing that evangelizes is love,” Cole writes. “The only thing that will ever change someone’s mind, cause them to turn from their evil ways, accept Jesus into their lives, and become a peacemaker themselves is love. If we want to make peace in our world, we must put down our weapons and take up the cross.” In The Way of Beatitude, Cole explores the meaning of the words Jesus preached at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5: 3–12) and shows you how to get beyond apathy and despair and help Christ bring about the Kingdom of Heaven in the here and now. The Beatitudes, he says, offer a path toward radical change. You will learn how to: surrender to the mercy of God; face with courage the heartache caused by division and animosity; be patient and lean into God’s providence; hunger always for justice; commit to solidarity with the powerless and the broken; be liberators of the oppressed; and lay down your life for the sake of God’s Kingdom. By sharing his own stories of striving toward supreme blessedness, Cole shows you how to surrender power and move beyond the harmful divisiveness of our world. Chapters include reflection questions and practical ideas for living the Beatitudes.


Book Synopsis The Way of Beatitude by : Casey Cole OFM

Download or read book The Way of Beatitude written by Casey Cole OFM and published by Ave Maria Press. This book was released on 2022-04-08 with total page 128 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What if we looked at the things we see wrong in the world with empathy, dug below the surface of people’s disappointing actions to experience their pain, and understood hurtful words as a cry for consolation? What if we responded with sorrow instead of outrage, and love instead of hate? If we could do all that, we’d be living as Jesus taught us in the Beatitudes. Fr. Casey Cole, OFM—host of YouTube’s Breaking the Habit—wants you to embrace the pain caused by anger and division in the world and then look to Jesus for hope through the Beatitudes. “The only thing that evangelizes is love,” Cole writes. “The only thing that will ever change someone’s mind, cause them to turn from their evil ways, accept Jesus into their lives, and become a peacemaker themselves is love. If we want to make peace in our world, we must put down our weapons and take up the cross.” In The Way of Beatitude, Cole explores the meaning of the words Jesus preached at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5: 3–12) and shows you how to get beyond apathy and despair and help Christ bring about the Kingdom of Heaven in the here and now. The Beatitudes, he says, offer a path toward radical change. You will learn how to: surrender to the mercy of God; face with courage the heartache caused by division and animosity; be patient and lean into God’s providence; hunger always for justice; commit to solidarity with the powerless and the broken; be liberators of the oppressed; and lay down your life for the sake of God’s Kingdom. By sharing his own stories of striving toward supreme blessedness, Cole shows you how to surrender power and move beyond the harmful divisiveness of our world. Chapters include reflection questions and practical ideas for living the Beatitudes.

The Ninefold Path of Jesus

The Ninefold Path of Jesus

Author: Mark Scandrette

Publisher: InterVarsity Press

Published: 2021-07-13

Total Pages: 181

ISBN-13: 0830846859

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What if we lived in a world of abundance? In the Beatitudes, Jesus offers nine sayings that move us beyond our first instincts and instead embrace the deeper reality of the kingdom of God. They name the illusions and false beliefs that have kept us chained and imprisoned. We've learned to live from a mentality of anxiety and greed, but what if a world of abundance with solace and comfort are actually near? We've learned to live by striving, competition, and comparison, but what if we all have equal dignity and worth? Mark Scandrette shows how the Beatitudes invite us into nine new postures for life. Instead of living in fear, we can choose radical love. It's often assumed that the good life is only for the most wealthy, attractive, and powerful. Poor, sad, and suffering people are left out. But the ninefold path of the Beatitudes is for everyone. Whatever your story, whatever your struggle, wherever you find yourself, this way is available to you.


Book Synopsis The Ninefold Path of Jesus by : Mark Scandrette

Download or read book The Ninefold Path of Jesus written by Mark Scandrette and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2021-07-13 with total page 181 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What if we lived in a world of abundance? In the Beatitudes, Jesus offers nine sayings that move us beyond our first instincts and instead embrace the deeper reality of the kingdom of God. They name the illusions and false beliefs that have kept us chained and imprisoned. We've learned to live from a mentality of anxiety and greed, but what if a world of abundance with solace and comfort are actually near? We've learned to live by striving, competition, and comparison, but what if we all have equal dignity and worth? Mark Scandrette shows how the Beatitudes invite us into nine new postures for life. Instead of living in fear, we can choose radical love. It's often assumed that the good life is only for the most wealthy, attractive, and powerful. Poor, sad, and suffering people are left out. But the ninefold path of the Beatitudes is for everyone. Whatever your story, whatever your struggle, wherever you find yourself, this way is available to you.

The Beatitudes

The Beatitudes

Author: Charles H Spurgeon

Publisher: Whitaker House

Published: 2012-09-27

Total Pages: 176

ISBN-13: 1603746862

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Some of the most comforting words a Christian could possibly hear from God are, "I want to bless you." In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ told us that we can come to Him as we are—in need, mourning, oppressed, or hungering—and He will bless us. In Charles Spurgeon's revealing exploration of The Beatitudes, you will learn to... Receive God's comfort Develop a gentle, forgiving spirit Inherit the earth Find contentment Obtain mercy Be pure in heart See God more clearly God has an excellent benefits package for His children. Discover the way to receive the rich treasures God wants you to have!


Book Synopsis The Beatitudes by : Charles H Spurgeon

Download or read book The Beatitudes written by Charles H Spurgeon and published by Whitaker House. This book was released on 2012-09-27 with total page 176 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Some of the most comforting words a Christian could possibly hear from God are, "I want to bless you." In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ told us that we can come to Him as we are—in need, mourning, oppressed, or hungering—and He will bless us. In Charles Spurgeon's revealing exploration of The Beatitudes, you will learn to... Receive God's comfort Develop a gentle, forgiving spirit Inherit the earth Find contentment Obtain mercy Be pure in heart See God more clearly God has an excellent benefits package for His children. Discover the way to receive the rich treasures God wants you to have!

Meditations on the Beatitudes

Meditations on the Beatitudes

Author: Donald R. Clymer

Publisher: Cascadia Publishing House

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 84

ISBN-13: 9781931038850

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What does it mean to be meek? To hunger and thirst after righteousness? The author draws on stories from years of experience in Latin America to invite readers to glean insights regarding the Beatitudes' meaning. Writing in the Foreword, Leanne Eshleman Benner, who works at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community as a Resident Services Manager, says that "I'm always taken aback when something like Don Clymer's book jolts me into realizing just how enmeshed I have become in a culture which barely needs the Beatitudes. Our pockets and our minds are full to overflowing. Reading the Beatitudes then becomes a sort of academic exercise and/or a checklist for making us feel better about ourselves. Clymer vividly defines the Beatitudes in a way that opens a new circuit of thought. Because of the way he interweaves other cultures into the picture, he helps us recognize our cultural blinders and encourages us to take them off." Dorothy Jean Weaver, Professor of New Testament, Eastern Mennonite Seminary, observes that "Don Clymer's Meditations are creative, thoughtful, and substantive. Clymer does a beautiful job of setting up a personal story for each meditation and then reflecting on the beatitude in question and the conflicting cultural value associated with it. This is excellent material for study groups." And Orval Gingerich, Assistant Vice President, International Programs; and Director, Center for Global Education, Augsburg College, thinks that "Each meditation brings life to the words of Jesus by confronting the comfortable assumptions middle-class North Americans hold about life, happiness, and the gospel."


Book Synopsis Meditations on the Beatitudes by : Donald R. Clymer

Download or read book Meditations on the Beatitudes written by Donald R. Clymer and published by Cascadia Publishing House. This book was released on 2011 with total page 84 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What does it mean to be meek? To hunger and thirst after righteousness? The author draws on stories from years of experience in Latin America to invite readers to glean insights regarding the Beatitudes' meaning. Writing in the Foreword, Leanne Eshleman Benner, who works at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community as a Resident Services Manager, says that "I'm always taken aback when something like Don Clymer's book jolts me into realizing just how enmeshed I have become in a culture which barely needs the Beatitudes. Our pockets and our minds are full to overflowing. Reading the Beatitudes then becomes a sort of academic exercise and/or a checklist for making us feel better about ourselves. Clymer vividly defines the Beatitudes in a way that opens a new circuit of thought. Because of the way he interweaves other cultures into the picture, he helps us recognize our cultural blinders and encourages us to take them off." Dorothy Jean Weaver, Professor of New Testament, Eastern Mennonite Seminary, observes that "Don Clymer's Meditations are creative, thoughtful, and substantive. Clymer does a beautiful job of setting up a personal story for each meditation and then reflecting on the beatitude in question and the conflicting cultural value associated with it. This is excellent material for study groups." And Orval Gingerich, Assistant Vice President, International Programs; and Director, Center for Global Education, Augsburg College, thinks that "Each meditation brings life to the words of Jesus by confronting the comfortable assumptions middle-class North Americans hold about life, happiness, and the gospel."

Called

Called

Author: Casey Cole

Publisher: Franciscan Media

Published: 2018-02-28

Total Pages: 192

ISBN-13: 1632532425

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Whether you’re considering a religious vocation or simply trying to lead a Christ-centered life, Franciscan friar Casey Cole has news: Christian life doesn't end with a profession of faith or hearing of God's call. That's when it begins. While the trappings of a professed Franciscan’s life may be different from that of a layperson, the inspiration and foundation are exactly the same: We are disciples of Christ called to live the Gospel in our world. Casey may wear brown while you wear red; he may work at a Church while you work in a school; and he may profess vows of poverty, chastity and obedience while you have yet to make any formal commitments in your life. The expressions may be different, but the life is the same. Based on a series of contagiously enthusiastic blog posts Casey wrote while he was in formation, Called: What Happens After Saying Yes to God reflects on realities that are common to anyone who is serious about living a sincere Christian life and trying to follow the message of Jesus in the Gospels. All Christians must discern God’s call for them. All Christians struggle at times knowing how to pray. All Christians work to be in intimate relationships with others. All Christians are challenged to give of themselves so to rely more on God. All Christians have a mission of building up the kingdom. And all Christians, like it or not, fail along the way. In his own path of discernment and discipleship, Casey has found a life that brings him amazement and wonder, sorrow and joy, encouragement and challenges, and he’s eager to share it all with everyone he can. Called offers inspiration and guidance to all those pursuing a life in Christ, in whatever form that may take. What you wonder, what you struggle with, what you experience in your daily life—you’re not alone. The audio edition of this book can be downloaded via Audible.


Book Synopsis Called by : Casey Cole

Download or read book Called written by Casey Cole and published by Franciscan Media. This book was released on 2018-02-28 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Whether you’re considering a religious vocation or simply trying to lead a Christ-centered life, Franciscan friar Casey Cole has news: Christian life doesn't end with a profession of faith or hearing of God's call. That's when it begins. While the trappings of a professed Franciscan’s life may be different from that of a layperson, the inspiration and foundation are exactly the same: We are disciples of Christ called to live the Gospel in our world. Casey may wear brown while you wear red; he may work at a Church while you work in a school; and he may profess vows of poverty, chastity and obedience while you have yet to make any formal commitments in your life. The expressions may be different, but the life is the same. Based on a series of contagiously enthusiastic blog posts Casey wrote while he was in formation, Called: What Happens After Saying Yes to God reflects on realities that are common to anyone who is serious about living a sincere Christian life and trying to follow the message of Jesus in the Gospels. All Christians must discern God’s call for them. All Christians struggle at times knowing how to pray. All Christians work to be in intimate relationships with others. All Christians are challenged to give of themselves so to rely more on God. All Christians have a mission of building up the kingdom. And all Christians, like it or not, fail along the way. In his own path of discernment and discipleship, Casey has found a life that brings him amazement and wonder, sorrow and joy, encouragement and challenges, and he’s eager to share it all with everyone he can. Called offers inspiration and guidance to all those pursuing a life in Christ, in whatever form that may take. What you wonder, what you struggle with, what you experience in your daily life—you’re not alone. The audio edition of this book can be downloaded via Audible.

The Beatitudes Through the Ages

The Beatitudes Through the Ages

Author: Rebekah Eklund

Publisher:

Published: 2021-04-27

Total Pages: 352

ISBN-13: 9780802876508

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Book Synopsis The Beatitudes Through the Ages by : Rebekah Eklund

Download or read book The Beatitudes Through the Ages written by Rebekah Eklund and published by . This book was released on 2021-04-27 with total page 352 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Let Go

Let Go

Author: Casey Cole

Publisher: Franciscan Media

Published: 2020-01-30

Total Pages: 160

ISBN-13: 1632533014

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"What must I do to gain eternal life?” The rich man who asked this of Jesus was told to sell all he had and give to the poor. But, more importantly, he was told, “Come, follow me!” Franciscan Casey Cole challenges us to let go of something more difficult than material wealth: expectations, anxiety, comfort, wounds, enemies, power—and our very selves. Speaking from both personal and pastoral experience, he outlines the stumbling blocks that turn us away from following Jesus as true disciples. The response to “What must I do?” is simple but not easy: Let go. Now.


Book Synopsis Let Go by : Casey Cole

Download or read book Let Go written by Casey Cole and published by Franciscan Media. This book was released on 2020-01-30 with total page 160 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "What must I do to gain eternal life?” The rich man who asked this of Jesus was told to sell all he had and give to the poor. But, more importantly, he was told, “Come, follow me!” Franciscan Casey Cole challenges us to let go of something more difficult than material wealth: expectations, anxiety, comfort, wounds, enemies, power—and our very selves. Speaking from both personal and pastoral experience, he outlines the stumbling blocks that turn us away from following Jesus as true disciples. The response to “What must I do?” is simple but not easy: Let go. Now.

Momentum

Momentum

Author: Colin S. Smith

Publisher: Moody Publishers

Published: 2016-09-16

Total Pages: 208

ISBN-13: 0802493742

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The Beatitudes are not telling you how to become a Christian—they tell you what a true Christian looks like. Everyone wants to be blessed. We want to be blessed in life, blessed in death, and blessed in eternity. In the Beatitudes, the Son of God tells us about the life that is blessed and about the people who are blessed. But Jesus does more than just describe a blessed life, He gives us a way to actually pursue it. If you want to make strides in overcoming sin, growing in godliness, abounding in good works, and enjoying intimacy with the Lord, this book is for you. And if you have lost hope that any of these things are possible, this book is especially for you. You can make progress, starting today.


Book Synopsis Momentum by : Colin S. Smith

Download or read book Momentum written by Colin S. Smith and published by Moody Publishers. This book was released on 2016-09-16 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Beatitudes are not telling you how to become a Christian—they tell you what a true Christian looks like. Everyone wants to be blessed. We want to be blessed in life, blessed in death, and blessed in eternity. In the Beatitudes, the Son of God tells us about the life that is blessed and about the people who are blessed. But Jesus does more than just describe a blessed life, He gives us a way to actually pursue it. If you want to make strides in overcoming sin, growing in godliness, abounding in good works, and enjoying intimacy with the Lord, this book is for you. And if you have lost hope that any of these things are possible, this book is especially for you. You can make progress, starting today.

Original Goodness

Original Goodness

Author: Eknath Easwaran

Publisher: Nilgiri Press

Published: 1996

Total Pages: 260

ISBN-13: 0915132915

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"Patience, mercy, peacemaking, simplicity, humility. When we cultivate these qualities our life will become immensely rich. Beneath all our layers of ignorance, we can uncover our essential nature: our Original Goodness. According to the ""Perennial Philosophy"" found in all religions, this divine essence can be realized, and is the supreme goal in life. This unbroken awareness of the presence of God in all creatures is the mark of the mystic. For one who grasps these principles with an open heart, life takes fire with purpose."


Book Synopsis Original Goodness by : Eknath Easwaran

Download or read book Original Goodness written by Eknath Easwaran and published by Nilgiri Press. This book was released on 1996 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Patience, mercy, peacemaking, simplicity, humility. When we cultivate these qualities our life will become immensely rich. Beneath all our layers of ignorance, we can uncover our essential nature: our Original Goodness. According to the ""Perennial Philosophy"" found in all religions, this divine essence can be realized, and is the supreme goal in life. This unbroken awareness of the presence of God in all creatures is the mark of the mystic. For one who grasps these principles with an open heart, life takes fire with purpose."