Blessed In The Test
"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Matthew 5: 11, 12.
Do you or someone you know feel they are going through trials or tribulations that no
one seems to understand? There are many who are sick, have financial difficulties, family problems or other
distress that seems to weigh them down. Our Lord gave many promises of encouragement and one can have
peace no matter what they may be facing or going through.
Jesus knows all about it and is always there.
In the Sermon on the Mount which Jesus gave, some probably thought his words seemed to contradict each other.
His words were so true and are still being proclaimed today by his people although all do not see or accept them.
One of the promises our Lord gave is in Matthew 5: 11 & 12 which shows he knew there would be
persecution and evil speaking, but also knew one could stand and claim his promises by faith.
Today, many still cannot understand how they can rejoice in the midst of persecution or hurts
which may come because of serving Christ. We all have to remember God's ways contradicts the world's ways of living.
When we live for the Lord, we have to be ready to say and do what is not always the things the world wants to hear or see.
We have to be willing to give when others take, love others when they hate,
and help when others hurt. If we love and keep his commands, we will one day receive everything while those who revile will receive nothing.
We must seek to share God's love to see those who do not understand or speak falsely, come into the knowledge of
a God who can save and deliver them from all evil.
If one prays for those who despitefully use them, God can change their heart and use them for his glory.
Give each burden to the Lord. He knows how to solve
life's problems. If he carried the weight of the world upon his shoulders to Calvary, can he not take
away our burdens and cares? The answer is yes, and he will give us his light burden in exchange for our heavy burden.
God's Word says to "be happy when persecuted." It takes one's eyes off earthly rewards, strips away superficial believers and strengthens faith of all those who endure.
It also serves as an example to other followers of Christ that we are to be like Jesus. There is comfort for those who undergo persecution and wrong treatment in
knowing that Daniel, Jeremiah, Elijah, Paul, and many others were also mistreated and persecuted for their faith.
These showed themselves to be faithful. Great rewards await those in the future who are faithful as they will be counted as eligible to enter into the Kingdom.
In Matthew 5, Jesus also taught the "pure in heart would be blessed." To be pure is to be cleansed
of unrighteousness, but does not mean sinless perfection.
One has a free will and choice, and with every temptation God has provided us a way of
escape. He also said, "blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God."
If we have a heart for making and keeping peace, we will be truly blessed as we are called God's children.
There is no greater title which could be placed upon us than to be called "His children".......bought with a
price......forgiven of sin and given sight.
We are referred to as "the salt of the earth" as Christians.
If the salt has lost it's savor, it is of no real value.
As we make an effort to make an effect on the world, we are of value as the "salt of this earth."
We are to daily make efforts as His Holy Spirit leads us to plant seeds of faith and his gospel message.
Christians cannot afford to just blend in with everyone or the ways of the world, but as the "salt" of the earth, are to affect in a positive way and be blessed.
If you are going through a trial or test or feel persecuted, remember that Our Lord
was mocked, scorned, called a wine-bibber, and said to work by the power of Beelzebub.
Our Sinless Christ came to do the Father's will and fulfilled it that we might have life,
yet suffered scorn and ridicule by those he loved. In this world we are told there will be
tribulation but to be of good cheer, for Christ has overcome the world.
In Him we can know peace.
Rejoice in tribulation and know there is a reward waiting for
the faithful who will receive the right to enter in and forever be with the Lord.
Blessings in Christ,
Jo Ann
J. P.'s Inspirations (c) 6/2002
Bring Your Hurts To The Father
Do you have hurts that are hard to bear?
Bring them to the Father and your burden He will share.
Do words of others bring you down instead of lift you up?
Jesus knows the feeling...He drank of life's bitter cup.
He is touched by the feeling of our infirmities
He sees our tears and hearts on bended knees.
Arise and go to the Father and his love you will find,
He will fill your heart with love and give you peace of mind.
He understands that words can hurt but he knows they can be healed,
Your heart will never be the same once it is Spirit filled.
Let his peace sweep over your soul and trust in his holy name,
He has promised life in Him and you will never be the same.
Jo Ann Kelly (c) 6/2002
J. P.'s Inspirations
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