Blessed Beyond Measure

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NOTE: This Christmas season, I am collecting donations of toiletries, underwear, socks, and hand warmers for the local homeless at the Manna House Outreach, and the Epi-Center in Edgewood.

>>> Donations will be accepted until December 15^th. If interested in donating any of these much needed items, please email me at: adelemgill@gmail.com or IM to arrange a time for drop off.  Thanks!

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Blessed Beyond Measure

[Jesus said]: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” 

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Matthew 5:1-12   |   The Beatitudes

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ certainly has blessed, and continues to bless his flock beyond measure. For He freely gave His life in atonement for the sins of humanity. He did this not for just a few, but for all people. But do we recognize his unconditional, pervasive love, and care, in our lives? Today’s Holy Scripture reminds us that those who walk humbly in faith, particularly in times of vulnerability, have God’s full, undivided attention, compassion, and mercy. The poor, the oppressed, the grieving, the timid, those searching for truth while trying to do the right thing in God’s eyes. According to this scriptural WORD, the downtrodden, the merciful, the holy, and yes, even, and especially, the persecuted, find favor with God through Jesus Christ. Yes, He knows we are a flawed people; but He loves us profoundly and with complete abandon any way, as He tries to bring us closer to Him, and on to higher ground.

The Good Shepherd

Like a good shepherd or a dedicated classroom teacher, God’s attention is most focused on those in most need, those who ask for His help. Through this Bible passage today we learn that Jesus is ever present and aware of our frailties, and unspoken needs. And He is passionately and compassionately ever-present to us when we are hurting or in need, —sometimes through other people. In these tumultuous times, He depends on us to reach out to others in need; to be His hands and feet here on earth.

Caring for the Vulnerable

God wants us to clothe, feed and help support the poor, comfort the grieving, the lonely, the sick, the mentally ill, those living with addictions. He wants us to stand up for, and with, those persecuted for their beliefs and other reasons. None of us is in this alone. As the body of Christ we are called to be Light to in this world of darkness. Every life is a precious gift from God, and everyone goes through times of vulnerability and turmoil. As followers of Jesus Christ and the Gospel of Peace, we especially need to strive to protect the unfortunate, vulnerable, downtrodden and endangered among us–from the pre-born and the disadvantaged, to the aged, and everyone in between.

Jesus Has Overcome Persecution

In this Bible passage, Jesus also tells us you will be persecuted in this world because of emulating or sharing Him, and it is cause for celebration. If you’ve ever been insulted, taunted, hated, or tormented for your faith, surely you know how difficult enduring it can be. But you need to remember that when persecution occurs, it is only because of the witness you give, the witness you are, for Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. At that point, despite how it may feel, you truly are blessed beyond measure, for your eternal reward is in Heaven.

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Matthew 5:1-12

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© Copyright 2019   |   Adele M. Gill