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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Passport (07/25/05)
I am ascending to the top of the mountain and to the gates of heaven. I won't look back. The path is well-worn. Multitudes of the faithful-- and yet wretched-- have gone before me. As I ascend to the top of the mountain, I see how poor I am in spirit. I continually mourn for the lost and my own brokenness. I become ever more meek and humble. I am thirsty for righteousness and I long for mercy. Even though I want to be pure of heart, I cut myself over and over again on the thorns and thistles of my own sins. I learn to make peace with others, especially with those who persecute me. Most of all I rejoice in all things, for I know that one day I will see the blessed gates of heaven. At the top of the mountain I will hear my Master say:

“Blessed are you for you were poor in spirit. You knew you could not make it to the top of this mountain of your own accord. I alone paved The Way and brought you safely to the gates of heaven. My spirit of grace is the only passport through the gate of salvation. By my spirit you have been saved. Enter now into the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you for you mourned for the lost and recognized your own brokenness. You allowed me to comfort you as you ascended to the top of this mountain. My spirit of healing is the only passport through the gate of complete comfort. By my spirit you have been comforted and made whole. Enter now into the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you for you have become one of the meek. You allowed me to humble your heart as you ascended to the top of this mountain. My spirit of humility is the only passport through the gate of inheriting the earth. By my spirit you have been given the strength found only in the meek. Enter now into the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you for you thirsted for righteousness. You allowed me to help you walk uprightly as you ascended to the top of this mountain. My spirit of Truth is the only passport through the gate of righteousness. By my spirit you have been filled with The Truth. Enter now into the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you for you granted others mercy. You allowed me to teach you to lean on my staff of compassion as you ascended to the top of this mountain. My spirit of compassion is the only passport through the gate of mercy. By my spirit you have obtained mercy. Enter now into the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you for you have become pure in heart. You allowed me to cleanse the deadly wounds made by the thorns and thistles of your own sins as you ascended to the top of this mountain. My spirit of forgiveness is the only passport through the gate of purity. By my spirit you have been made pure and holy. Enter now into the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you for you remained tranquil during times of great tribulation. You allowed me to fill you with peace as you ascended to the top of this mountain. My spirit of peace is the only passport through the gate of being called a “Peace-making Child of God.” By my spirit you have been filled with this peace. Enter now into the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you for you were persecuted for the sake of righteousness. You allowed me to protect you when men reviled you as you ascended to the top of this mountain. My spirit of protection is the only passport through the gate of persecution. By my spirit you have overcome. Enter now into the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you for now you can rejoice. You have ascended to the top of this mountain and have passed through the gates of the Promised Land. My living spirit is the only passport through these gates of life. By my spirit you have been given the gift of eternal life, The Life that is your great reward awaiting you at the top of the mountain and beyond the gates of heaven. Enter now into the kingdom of heaven.”

Don't look back. Ascend.


(Paraphrases of the Beatitudes were made from the King James Version of God’s Holy Word).
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This article has been read 1248 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Beth Muehlhausen
08/03/05
The Beatitudes provide an interesting was to consider the concept of passage. Our hope and our joy: "Most of all I rejoice in all things, for I know that one day I will see the blessed gates of heaven."
Nina Phillips
08/03/05
That was very inspirational-I also liked the title. Good entry. God bless ya! littlelight
Maxx .
08/05/05
Ah... don't we all want to hear those words. But the trip is not easy. Very moving piece. Touched me. Thank you!
Shari Armstrong 
08/06/05
Very very nice -great imagery. I really liked "Even though I want to be pure of heart, I cut myself over and over again on the thorns and thistles of my own sins."
Dixie Phillips
08/06/05
What a blessed piece! Loved the depth to it! Great job!
Val Clark
08/07/05
Creative, well thought out and inspirational take on the Beatitudes.
Deborah Porter 
08/09/05
Theresa, I wanted to stop by and let you know that Song of Ascent made it into the semi-finals for the "Passport" Challenge. Keep up the great writing. You seem to appear regularly among the high raters. With love, Deb (Challenge Coordinator)