The Beatitudes

My memory verse this week is actually seven verses. This week using the Letter B as my starting point I decided to memorize Matthew 5:3-10. When I was younger, about age 10, I was in a program that challenged the participants to memorize 100 verses. I took on the challenge, followed the rules, and in about 6 months had memorized and recited 100 verses. But, I don't think I accomplished the goal. See, I would memorize them long enough to recite them and then just forget about them. I did not grow stronger in the Word or even understand it better. I do not want that to happen this time. This time I want to learn the verses in my head but also in my heart and soul.
When looking over the Beatitudes I realized that I really wasn't sure what Jesus meant with all of them. For example, what does it mean to be "poor in spirit"? I looked in my Message Bible and found that it's rendering has Matthew 5:3 as this " You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule."
I learned with this verse some more insight into the scripture. And, I don't plan to stop there. I really think I'm going to start trying to look more at what the verse means and how it is applicable and not just what it says. By the time I get to the letter 'Z', I may not have 100 verses memorize, but I'm okay with that. As long as this time my mind, heart, and soul not only knows the words but understand and lives them.
So I leave with this:
" Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who morn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for the will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:3-10