According to the Apostle Matthew, Jesus noticed the crowds and his closer followers (probably one of the better understatements in the New Testament), and walked up a hillside, sat down (as was the custom), and taught.
He led with eight thoughts about being blessed. The first three we discussed in the last two posts concerned emptying yourself. Now, why should we empty ourselves? Yes, to be blessed, for sure. But Jesus continues:
You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
An empty mind and soul can be the devil’s playground. But not if you intentionally choose what will fill them. That is why I always recommend turning off TV news. Be ever watchful of what fills your mind. With 2,000 years of Christian writers to help us, there is no excuse for not finding something to help us fill our minds with God. Work up a good appetite, Jesus says. Eat and drink from the goodness of God.
Here are a few items on the buffet table: the Desert Fathers, John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, the author of The Cloud of Unknowing, Henri Nouwen, Thomas Merton, many more guides and mentors.
Read. Sit quietly and focus. Fill your mind and soul.
Faith Venture 
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