Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Blessed by God

Pam Padgett ... teacher

Jesus taught the multitudes about those who are blessed  (fortunate, well off, happy) ... 

Matthew 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
  
It stood out to me that Jesus didn't speak of those who are wise, powerful, talented, or beautiful according to the flesh being blessed.   

Instead Jesus spoke of those being blessed who were not walking according to the flesh, but who were walking humbly before God, seeking to please Him.  Being humble, meek, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and desiring righteousness and to uphold the word of God even to the point of suffering persecution, are things hated by the flesh, and are not often thought of as leading to being blessed.

Yet those who lay down their lives on this earth to serve God are fortunate, well off, and happy, for they are blessed by God with blessings that are far better than what the flesh desires.  And the blessings given are precious and greatly treasured by those who seek to please God.   

Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
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