THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 6:17-23
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. (Luke 6:20)
What usually comes to mind when someone says, ‘I’m blessed’?
We use these words to describe all our positive blessings.
When life – our children, or finances, or health, or situation – is good.
Jesus does not speak this way, which ought to make us think.
Jesus says the poor, hungry, sad or bullied are the blessed ones.
It seems that God is especially close to people like this.
So close that they can be considered more blessed than others.
Can you imagine saying ‘I’m blessed’ the next time you are struggling?
Maybe our physical ‘blessings’ are not so much blessings afterall.
Such ‘blessings’ can often distract us from God, or make us forget Him.
What about my struggles, are they actually bringing me closer to God?
Is it possible that the real blessing is how God is at work in me?
Helping me, pruning me, stretching me, strengthening me.
God with me, no matter what I’m going through, THIS is being ‘blessed’!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I do not want to struggle, but neither do I want to be deceived by worldly comforts. I want to know the blessing of being close to You, no matter what I am going through!
Be-attitudes.
These be-attitudes bring happiness.
Happiness is found in Christ alone.
I need to be like a little child – Jesus is the answer. I need to empty myself of worldly pleasures and make sure that Jesus is the greatest treasure. Knowing Jesus lives within creates JOY. Only in Him do I have happiness. I need to live for Him each day doing His will.
He is my God, and I will praise Him.
My father’s God, and I’ll exalt Him.
He is my God, and I will praise Him.
My father’s God, and I’ll exalt Him.