Matthew – God’s Purpose and Law
When we are going through a tough time we seldom think first of how we are blessed, right? We think and see only what is in front of us. We don’t think beyond the present circumstance or how God will use our current situation to actually bless us. What if we change our thinking for a moment or two and assume that we are blessed? No matter what, God has blessed us.These random thoughts come to me as we read and see Jesus, in our minds, take the multitude of people following him to a high mountainside so he can tell THEM just how blessed THEY are. From this lesson to them, maybe we can catch a glimpse of God’s blessings on us. Maybe we can begin this day, knowing we are blessed, live in gracious praise, always looking up (as the listeners on the mountainside) to the Master Teacher and learn what being blessed means to all of us.
Matthew 5:1-12, NKJV
The BeatitudesAnd seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
FROM THE HEART…
Can you find yourself in one or more of these ways God has blessed? Camp on this all day long and meditate on God’s provisions, protection and blessings on top. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad…right now! We know the reward of heaven will come, but we can rejoice and be grateful right now. There is also a bonus…our attitude of blessing just might draw someone seeking to know Jesus to you. Be ready to tell them why you are blessed!
My dad’s heart condition warranted a pacemaker installed. In fact, in his lifespan, three more were installed when one failed. His favorite joke to the heart surgeon was, “Blessed are the pacemakers, for they shall see tomorrow!”
I will close with that for now. Pray for Randy and I and many others on the field here in Santa Cruz, Bolivia as we battle the remains of the flu virus. The work will go on. Pray for our full physical strength to return. We are blessed! God is with us. God is providing. Blessed are we who believe, follow, trust and obey! (For there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.)
Thank you, Heavenly Father. Just thank you!
In Jesus Name, Amen
Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus) 