A Beautiful Attitude (Part 8): Persecuted Righteousness

"Persecuted Righteousness many have suffered, but few know of it. In unveiling the Truth many lives will be forever changed. Do you know the Truth? His name is Jesus." - F. Lugo

Wow! This post is bitter sweet. I have come to the end of the words God shared with me concerning the Beatitudes in which the man, Jesus of Nazareth spoke to a great multitude. The Beatitudes is the amazing introduction to the greatest sermon ever preached: The Sermon on the Mount

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven."(Matthew 5:10 NKJV)  "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11-12 NKJV)

The Beatitudes are staples for good living and the blessings that go along with such a life lived. As we come to the end of this journey called "A Beautiful Attitude" I have experienced and witnessed many blessings in my life and the lives of others. Easter was just a few days ago, and although the day April 8th has came and gone, the everlasting impression it has left behind both now and when the events took place 2000+ years ago remain and continue to shape the lives and eternities of a great many who experience the love of Jesus Christ. Amen.

As I read and reread the verses in scripture above, so many things speak to me. But it's not about me, it's about you. Therefore, what do you think of the above words in scripture. The above words in red. The above words spoken by Jesus to a grand crowd that stood before Him? I prayed an amazing prayer before placing my fingers to the keys of my laptop. I asked God to give me the words to write that would change the lives of a great many forever. I asked God now to not allow these words, this series, this journey called A Beautiful Attitude to escape any eyes, and to lead many to share their thoughts, their insights, their experience with God through these words, even words of encouragement for the author. And as I said it to Him, I say it again...It's in Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Beloved, I am so overwhelmed by the love of God. I am so honored that God would choose me to write about such precious words, that were spoken so long ago and are forever ingrained in the hearts, minds, bodies and souls of a great many. The words are known as the Beatitudes. The speaker and Author is Jesus the Nazarene. And they are located in the Book of Matthew in the Fifth Chapter verses 1-12. It's been a great honor and privilege to receive from the pages of God's heart, as a deposit into my heart, as God's extended hand of friendship to all of your precious hearts. God bless you all.

Beloved, here are the links to the first 7 parts of "A Beautiful Attitude"

PART 1: Poor In Spirit

PART 2: Your Mourning Will Be Comforted

PART 3: Lay It Down

PART 4: A Satisfied Life Is A Righteous Life

PART 5: Show Mercy

PART 6: A Pure Heart

PART 7: Are You A Peacemaker?

A Beautiful Attitude (Part 7): Are You A Peacemaker?

Are you a peacemaker?

Today as I woke up, I contemplated going back to sleep for another hour. As I thought of the upside of resting another hour, I also thought about the downside of losing an hour and going back to a bad habit. This thought came to mind that helped win over the decision to stay up- Writing a book. I have been thinking of writing a book for quite some time but I always had that voice of restlessness saying to me, 'what you have to say, no one wants to hear...c'mon! you barely lived life. You're too young. God and life is a topic you are inexperienced at.' Sadly I have listened to that voice many times. A voice not of peace, but a voice robbing my peace to write what God has been putting in my heart to write. Despite that voice constantly taunting me, I will rise above it. I will say to it, "I am a child of God." Amen.

That leads me to what's in my heart to speak with you about today. The Beatitudes. If you have been going along on this journey with me, you know that today we will see what God had to share with me on this portion of the greatest sermon ever preached- The Sermon on the Mount.

Now the Beatitudes are what? They are staples for good living and the blessings that go along with it.

A Beautiful Attitude is something that is rare in my opinion and even more rare is displaying that beautiful attitude consistently in and through your life. But! I believe there is one thing that will allow you to display a beautiful attitude on a consistent basis, and that is peace. Today's portion of the Beatitudes speaks to that. Let's take a look. Shall we?

"Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9 NKJV) 

That statement above is so powerful. Wouldn't you agree? Think about that for a moment...peacemakers will be called sons of God. Wow! That's tremendous. Oftentimes, If I'm not sure what to write on yet have the topic; subject already in mind, in specific the verse in scripture that was speaking to me on a particular day or throughout the week, I'd see if there was a referencing verse that went along with it in my study Bible. To my amazement and relief, there was no referenced verse that spoke to the verse in scripture above. Therefore, this thought came to mind. "Flavio, there's no referencing verse because the verse in Matthew 5:9 says it all!"

Being a peacemaker, is just that! Being someone who looks to not create problems, but resolve problems. Someone who doesn't look to gossip or spread gossip, is a peacemaker. Someone who doesn't waste all their time looking to the problem, but being a solution visionary. I myself look to not dwell on problems, but always see the solution. Do I succeed every time? Of course! Actually, I don't but that would be nice. I've been telling my girlfriend as of lately, "I'm the Solution man." You'd be surprised to see that being a peacemaker; in being a solution man/woman, life is much easier. You could say, that being a person of solution and not problem is being someone who is blessed. 

Therefore, look to be of peace. As I have failed at this many times, and experienced the heartache and pain of being all about problems, I wouldn't want you to go down the same road. So in all things, ask God for the wisdom to be a person who sees past the problem towards the solution. Seek to be blessed by being a peacemaker and in turn live life as a child of God in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.

A Beautiful Attitude (Part 6): A Pure Heart

"A pure heart"

Today I'm continuing with Part 6 of "A Beautiful Attitude" where we are discovering the Beatitudes Jesus spoke in part of the most famous sermon of all time- The Sermon on the Mount. 


Just a recap of what Beatitudes are. Beatitudes are staples for good living and the blessings that go along with them.


Let us begin with this amazing verse in scripture. Truly a triumph echoing throughout the pages of history. "Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8 NKJV)


A pure heart is something that is rarely seen. What can be said of a pure heart? Who has a pure heart? Is someone who has a pure heart merely one who does good for others? Someone who donates to charities? Someone who gives gifts on birthdays and holidays? 


These may be ripples of someone who has a pure heart, but what does the life of Jesus show us on who has a pure heart? We wouldn't have to go far. The Beatitudes in and of themselves speak a defining truth to one who has a pure heart. Let us recap on the Beatitudes shall we.

Those who have a Pure Heart are: Those who are poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3); Those who mourn (Matthew 5:4); Those who are meek (Matthew 5:5); Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6); Those who are merciful (Matthew 5:7); Those who are peacemakers (Matthew 5:9); Those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake (Matthew 5:10); Those who are insulted, persecuted, and all kinds of evil and false things are said of them for the Lord Jesus' sake (Matthew 5:11)

Although the above statements of truth don't seem particularly inviting, let these words of promise from the Lord Jesus Himself ease your anxieties, "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:12 emphasis added)

All of the above doesn't come over night but many of them happen to those who are hurting, and are in pain and sorrow over the terrible things they have done to others and the terrible things that have been done to them. How do I know this? I am one of those individuals who was filled with so much hurt, pain and anger that it was too great to handle and only the love of God through the Lord Jesus Christ could heal what was causing me massive hurt, pain, anger, guilt...you name it!

When I was asking God to give me the words to write towards this portion of the Beatitudes I went to a reference in my study Bible which was (1 John 3:2-3). This verse in scripture says "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."

The Word of God proclaims this promise. Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. What is a new creation? A new creation is a child of God. I don't know about you but that thought of seeing God face-to-face finally has me tickled pink (Ha!). I look forward to that moment with all that I am. I have shed great tears of joy envisioning that moment when the One who has known me as He created me is before me and I before Him. It has caused me to tremble with excitement. That thought has kept me speechless with a brimming smile that could blot out the sun, and has caused me to dance with great jubilation (mind you I am not a dancer). Even now as I think of Him I shiver with delight. To see and be with my God forever is something that although we, His children, will all experience the above to some degree, that overwhelming love from a pure heart being a child of God will make it all worth it. Amen!

Beloved, as the end of this series of writings on the beautiful Beatitudes come to a close it's bitter sweet for me. Bitter as it will have been a grand journey to knowing and accepting the love of God through His One and only Son Jesus coming to a close. Yet sweet, as I have many more blessings to share with you coming down the pipeline. Amen.

As always...YOU ARE LOVED.

A Beautiful Attitude (Part 5): Show Mercy

"Showing mercy to others is tough, but the heart that does so rejoices when God is merciful."- F. Lugo

Good morning beloved, I pray God's grace and peace over you today that you will walk with a heart of mercy towards others that wrong you. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.


As I thought of what to write for part 5 of "A Beautiful Attitude" I really had nothing to write. Would this be writer's block? No, certainly not. I believe God wants me to share one of my brother's writings on this portion of the Beatitudes spoken by Jesus known as the greatest sermon ever spoken - The Sermon on the Mount. 


Keeping in mind the Beatitudes are staples for good living and the blessings that go along with them. I direct you to my brother in Christ' website (Click HERE to go to "Get Up With God") where you will read what God put on his heart pertaining to mercy through God's Word. Please read and leave a comment encouraging him letting him know that I sent you by leaving my blog site address: http://www.n2myheart.blogspot.com/

As always...YOU ARE LOVED

A Beautiful Attitude (Part 4): A Satisfied Life Is A Righteous Life

"A satisfied life is a righteous life."

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6)

Good morning beloved. God's grace and peace be with you, your family, and your ministry both today and forever. Amen. 

Today I will continue on with Part 4 of A Beautiful Attitude, sharing what God has placed into my heart when it comes to the Beatitudes- Staples for good living and the blessings that go along with them.

As I read the Beatitude above, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled, I asked God what is righteousness? So from that question we will enter into this journey together. Are you ready? LET'S GO!

First of all I wanted to define what righteousness is for both you and I. Keep in mind this is a journey we are all going on- Our walk with Christ Jesus the Lord. Amen. 

Okay, so what is righteousness? Here's a definition I found that speaks exactly to what righteousness is. The Greek word that we translate as righteous is dike (pronounced, dee-kay). And while the ancient Greek meaning was tendency, the use of this word in the Bible implies justice and conformance to established standards. Justice means doing the right thing; and conformance to established standards (in the Bible) refers to following the ways of God. So, the word righteous can also be translated as just, since righteousness is so closely tied to justice.

I'm learning to look to the Hebrew and Greek meanings of words as these were the original languages spoken and written. Sometimes we simply must go to the past to see our present and future more clearly; hence renewing our minds by the Word of God (see Romans 12:2). Amen. So! what spoke to me was the word tendency. Sometimes the word tendency gets a bad rep, but we are looking to the positive of all things. Right!? Therefore, I would like to have a tendency to seek to do the right thing and follow the ways of God all the days of my life then I will stand before the Lord on that day in time and be counted righteous by Him, because I lived a righteous life before all others. Amen.

I shared with you what I've been learning so far about what it means to be righteous, how I desire to be righteous and now I'll hook you up with a link that pretty much lists many versus in scripture as well as the definition above that we both read a few moments ago and many more blessings (click HERE FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS).

I must say, this blog post is different than my others. It's more lighter. It's still from God's heart to my heart to all your precious hearts, but God is good and the direction He leads me in, you in, all of us in, shows us many wonderful things; of Himself as well as ourselves. Truly a beautiful exchange. Praise the Lord!

Now I find interesting how the Beatitude says those who hunger and thirst as to me it makes me think of a meal. Yes! I'm hungry...(Ha!), but that's beside the point. A meal to me consists of a beverage, an appetizer, a small salad, a main dish and dessert- that's a full course meal to me. To me being thirsty and hungering for righteousness is actually something that is beneficial to our bodies and in actuality we need to be righteous in order to survive, as the Word of God speaks those who don't take in the nourishment of righteousness (they are malnourished in the ways of God) as unrighteous; those who perish (click HERE TO SEE WHAT MALNOURISHED TO GOD LOOKS LIKE).

Now having a meal is nourishing but the right type of foods eaten and beverages we drink will guarantee us a satisfied feeling; a true contentment. To me, I can eat pizza almost everyday, but eventually I desire to have a complete meal as pizza is not a meal. To me, I enjoy drinking Arizona Tea, but it always leaves me thirsty. But on the other hand, if I have a full course meal that is sensible and a nice cold glass of water, I am not only filled (satisfied), but I have no thirst either as only water can quench our thirsts. Did you know that Jesus is called the bread of life and the living water? It's no coincidence that the way to righteous living as well to heaven is through Jesus (see John 14:6). Consuming Jesus (see John 6:56-58) is that sensible meal for our souls and the right living that God calls us to. How so? Through accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord (see Romans 10:9-10/John 3:16), Through Baptism (see Romans 6:3-11/ Matthew 3:13-15), Through Communion (see Luke 22:14-19/1 Corinthians 11:26) , In Loving Him (see Luke 10:27) and Living life for God and not for ourselves (see 2 Corinthians 5:15/ Galatians 2:19-20) Through faithfully following Jesus to where He is calling us. As Jesus says, let us follow His words to all of us, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:1-8).

I have both known the malnourished weakness of an unrighteous life and the strength that comes through a righteous life. Does this make living a righteous life easy? Certainly not! But we take heart, that is being filled with joy, as one; we know in life we will experience troubles and two; Jesus has already overcome the world (see John 16:33), therefore we can be confident if we trust in Him with all our heart, rely on Him and not our limited understanding, He will make that way for us known (see Proverbs 3:5-6). Amen.

What I remain in awe over God in these days is that as Easter draws near just as it was last year and the year before that, my heart, my thoughts and my speech are directed towards Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. With that I will invite you to rise to the call and receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord. He will save you and make your path straight leading right to Him here and now and for eternity. Amen.

Let us pray: A prayer of Salvation (Make it personal/Make it count)


Jesus, please forgive me for doing things my way. Help me to do things Your way. My soul is in need of saving, and I don't want to live life now or in eternity without you. I confess that You are Lord and believe in my heart God raised You from the dead. I hunger and thirst for righteousness. Please fill me. Save me, help me, cleanse me, make me new and show me the way everlasting. I choose You as my Savior and Lord.  




Beloved, if you prayed this prayer I believe according to the Word of God that you are now saved. Congratulations!! I'd be honored if you would leave a comment if you accepted Jesus by confessing from your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in your heart God raised Him from the dead three days later. I pray God direct you to the church where you will feel right at home. Stay in the Word of God, and keep God first. He'll take you places you never dreamed of. 


As always...YOU ARE LOVED.