Jesus delivers the radical claim that people who are "poor in spirit" are actually "blessed" (Matthew 5:3). How right He was, because this is the first crucial step in the chosen path of the beatitudes. He then continues a sermon that actually reveals a vital progression that helps establish a deeper relationship with our Creator. The spiritual path of the Beatitudes is prescribed for all, but must be chosen by each individual. God does not coerce; He calls. And the journey He calls us to is certainly one worth choosing. Why should we resist the comforting call of Jesus? "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy an.d My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) That's a deal worth taking. Honest seekers of truth - pack up your gear...we're following Jesus down the path of the Beatitudes.
About the Author: Cliff Hulling is a professor at Biola University in La Mirada California where he has taught for over thirty years. As an avid writer, composer, and musician, he has lived in Southern California for most of his life. He and his wife Kim (his high school sweetheart) have adopted and raised three children and are advocates for adoption as a means of rescuing children from abusive home lives. He has an Apologetics Certificate from Biola University and has written 5 books: 1 in the Christian Fiction genre (called "The Descent"), 2 Christian Devotional books ("The Chosen Path of the Beatitudes" / "Behind the Veil - Living in the Revealed Wisdom of God"), & 2 music books. In his music career, he has performed with many well known musicians: Paul Anka, Chet Atkins, Joshua Bell, The Canadian Brass, Vikki Carr, David Cassidy, Ray Charles, Glen Close, Natalie Cole, Placido Domingo, Sandy Duncan, Danny Elfman, Jose Feliciano, Roberta Flack, Kenny G, Davis Gaines, The Gatlin Brothers, Morton Gould, Marvin Hamlisch, Jerry Herman, Shirley Jones, Michel Legrand, The Letterman, Kenny Loggins, Melissa Manchester, Henry Mancini, Maureen McGovern, Michael McDonald, Don Menza, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mandy Patinkin, Sandy Patti, Luciano Pavarotti, Itzac Pearlman, Bernadette Peters, Linda Ronstadt, Leonard Rose, Lalo Schiffrin, Diane Schuur, Doc Severinsen, Frank Sinatra Jr., Maxim Shostakovich, Janos Starker, Toni Tennile, John Tesh, Mel Torme, Manhattan Transfer, Tommy Tune, Sarah Vaughan, Dionne Warwick, Vanessa Williams, Andy Williams, Roger Williams, John Williams, and Yo-Yo Ma. He has also been heavily involved in the world of musical theater, performing as the Drummer/Percussionist for the Los Angeles Premiere of the musicals Chicago, Titanic, Fosse, Cinderella, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Les Miserables, 3hree, Into the Woods, Caroline or Change, Little Shop of Horrors, Car Man, Play Without Words, Curtains, Drowsy Chaperone, The Light in the Piazza, Edward Scissorhands, A Chorus Line, Minsky's, Martin Guerre, The Light in the Piazza, Mary Poppins, South Pacific, Dream Girls, Follies, Little Shop of Horrors, A Gentleman's Guide to Love And Murder, The Sound of Music, Grey Gardens, and Anything Goes at the Ahmanson Theaters. At other theaters, he has performed Beauty and the Beast, Ragtime, Chorus Line, Crazy for You, Little Shop of Horrors, Pippin, Light in the Piazza, The Producers, Young Frankenstein, 9 to 5, Mary Poppins, White Christmas, South Pacific, and Wicked.