I feel so comforted and refreshed right now. Why? When I read “The Beatitudes” from The Message translation, I just sank in my chair, sighed, and felt the smile in my heart and on my face. Read this and tell me if you don’t feel God’s arms just wrapping around you:
3 “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4 “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5 “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
6 “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
7 “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.
8 “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9 “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
10 “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
11-12 “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
There are some great one-liners in there that you can easily print and post somewhere for you to see each day. (Hint hint)
Jesus was the greatest preacher to have walked this earth. “We are so blessed” because we get to read His words, meditate on them, and apply them to our lives.
Be blessed!
Prayer: “Lord, I am blessed. You bless my soul and mind. Thank You for Your teachings. I pray that I will remember and apply Your instruction to my life on a daily basis. I pray that whoever reads this “outlet” you’ve given to me will be blessed and grow closer to You. Amen.”
Blessings to you.
January 5
