• Pastor Aaron Vis (from Renew Community in Ames) preached on the Beatitudes. He talked about them as strange and radical ways of living in the world. 
• He talked about what it means to choose mercy instead of retribution. 
• He talked about the meaning of “purity of heart” as having a heart that is undivided in desiring the things of God. 
• He talked about the difference between being peacekeepers verses peacemakers. 
• And he asked us to consider if we are actually ready to make changes to live in line with these kingdom behaviors. 

Reflection Questions:

• Which of the last few Beatitudes is hardest for you to live out in your life (mercy, purity of heart (undivided heart), or peacemaking)? Why?
• Do you have a sense that the Spirit is inviting you into any particular action or “change of mind” out of the reflection on these kingdom ways of living?
• What kind of help or support do you need to take a step towards what you think the Spirit is leading you to do?