Matthew 5:1-12
Amid the difficulties of everyday life, and the many pressing circumstances that we often face, it becomes a challenge to attain and receive God’s blessings. As a child, I remember my mother often saying that the Lord’s blessings were new every day. I am not sure about you, but I often wondered if his blessings skipped me way too often. Others would say that you need to find his blessings daily, but the reality is that in Christ we are blessed regardless of what we think or hear from others.
Every day we are presented with fresh and new opportunities to experience the outpouring of God’s love, compassion, and blessings. Even when we are clouded by the many circumstances that create tension and strain our spiritual health, behind those clouds, his love and mercy are always present and slowly penetrating through. I eventually understood that his blessings were not contingent on my thoughts and actions. His blessings are attained as his kingdom shines on all our lives.
In and through Christ, God’s kingdom is present, and the blessing of the kingdom belongs to us as we are wrapped up into the life of the Father, Son, and Spirit. I love how the Message Bible asserts the realities of his blessings and shatters those clouds that limit us from receiving the life and blessing of the kingdom.
“3 “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. 4 “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. 5 “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. 6 “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. 7 “You’re blessed when you care. 8 “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. 10 “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution”.
Prayer: Most loving God, thank you for including me in your love and life. Please help me shatter the clouds that prohibit me from seeing the reality of who I am and how blessed I am. Please give the contentment that I seek to live the kingdom life today, and to share it with others. Amen!
By Heber Ticas
Superintendent of Latin America &
National Coordinator for Church Multiplication
This is beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for pointing out this passage in the Message Bible.
Thanks Heber for reminding us of all our spiritual blessings that flow thru Christ in us, who teaches us, the Love of God, that is ready to die eternally for others that they may know the same blessings! 1 Jn 3:16
We may be unaware of not just spiritual blessings but also the everyday things we take for granted,,just think of clean water,a roof over your head,shelter,a warm bed,food,soap,yes soap. There are many brothers and sisters who do not have many amenities that we take for granted,,thank you GOD and i pray that our brother and sisters in CHRIST recieve the basics of life and more.
Very timely and uplifting during one of the worst months ever of COVID. Love, intercessions and prayers for you and yours.
Thank you: timely, nurturing and educational.
I thank you too, Heber, this focus is just what I need with a difficult situation I’m facing💞