Be Blessed!

I have been thinking today about the sermon on the mount by Jesus in Matthew chapter 5. He begins the chapter with the famous "blessed" statements known as the Beatitudes.

Matthew 5:3-10 KJV

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

But then I can just feel the whole mood of the chapter change. He begins it with "blessed are ye!" I love this! Tough times will come. But if you can just endure, blessings will also surely come. Don't be disheartened by things that are going on down here. Keep your eyes heavenward. Hold on through your trials and persecutions. Jesus said "Blessed are ye!" You are blessed. If you are abiding in Christ, you are blessed.

Matthew 5:11-12 KJV

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.

So many times I’ve questioned certain circumstances Or things I could not understand Many times in trials, weakness blurs my vision And my frustrations get so out of hand It’s then I am reminded I’ve never been forsaken I’ve never had to stand the test alone As I look at all the victories, the Spirit rises up in me It’s through the fire my weakness is made strong

And He never promised the cross would not get heavy and the hill would not be hard to climb He never offered victory without fighting but He said help would always come in time Just remember when you’re standing in the valley of decision and the adversary says give in Just hold on, our Lord will show up and He will take you through the fire again

I know within myself that I would surely perish But if I trust the hand of God, He’ll shield the flames again

And He never promised the cross would not get heavy and the hill would not be hard to climb Just hold on, our Lord will show up and He will take you through the fire again Just hold on, our Lord will show up and He will take you through the fire again