1. Surprised by Joy In Walking with God (Matthew 5:6-8)

2. The beatitudes are like a mountain Surprised by joy in coming to God Surprised by joy in walking with God Surprised by joy in taking God back to the struggles of life

3. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” We are “filled” by what we are passionate about John Eldredge: “There are only three choices in life: To be alive and thirsty, to be dead, or to be addicted.” Pascal: “The knowledge of God is very far from the love of him.” Ps 42:1-2, Rev 3:15 & 19, Acts 17:27 Augustine: “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.”

4. # 71 “As the Deer”

5. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” “It is more blessed to give than to receive” –Acts 20:35 Mercy is generous toward others; Mercy says, “I forgive you” and “let me help you.” Mt 6:14-15 Mt 18:23-35

6. # 123, “The steadfast love of the Lord”

7. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” J. B. Phillips, “Blessed are the utterly sincere, for they will see God.” Hypocrite – One who plays a role Four levels of conversation: cliché, facts, opinions, feelings Adam and Eve: Sin sparks the desire to conceal I Jn 1:8-9, Mt 23:27-29

8. Surprised by Joy as we walk with God As we hunger and thirst for righteousness As we are merciful toward others As we are pure in heart – utterly sincere & open “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.” “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…” -- Mt 11:28-29