................................ YOURE BLESSED ................................ 1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said: 3 Youre blessed when youre at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. 4 Youre blessed when you feel youve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. 5 Youre bless when youre content with just who you are--no more, no less. Thats the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that cant be bought. 6 Youre blessed when youve worked up a good appetite for God. Hes food and drink in the best meal youll ever eat. 7 Youre blessed when you care. At the moment of being care-full, you find yourselves cared for. 8 Youre blessed when you get your inside world--your mind and heart--put right. Then you can God in the outside world. 9 Youre blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. Thats when you discover who you really are, and your place in Gods family. 10 Youre blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into Gods kingdom. 11-12 Not only that --count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and the are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens--give a cheer, even! for though they dont like it, I DO! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. ............................................................... MATTHEW 5:1 - 12 (MSG)
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 00:57:00 +0000