HAVE YOU UNLOCKED THE DOOR FOR RECEIVING GOD’S BLESSINGS?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside 
and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. 
(Matthew 5:1-2)

MEDITATION:
Do you feel blessed?
I mean, do you feel like you are receiving God’s blessings?
If not, what could be the problem?
Jesus sat down with His disciples and told them how to be blessed,
and the information He gave them is useful for us as well 
(since we, as Christians, are also His disciples).

Jesus tells us that:
When we have a humble attitude, we are blessed 
because we have a part of the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 
(Matthew 5:3)

When we are sad, we are blessed in knowing 
that the Lord will comfort and console us in our time of need.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)

When we are meek (gentle and obedient), we are blessed in knowing that
everything we need is available on earth and will be provided by the Lord.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)

If we have developed a hunger and thirst for righteousness, 
we are blessed in knowing that our hunger and thirst will be satisfied.
It is not a righteousness that we only want or would like to have, 
but it is a burning desire created within us through 
a new attitude and sincere appreciation for being saved.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 
for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:6)

If we are compassionate and forgiving to others, 
we are blessed in knowing that we will receive mercy.
Unfortunately, some people say they forgive, but what they mean is, 
they will forgive only after the other person has suffered enough for 
their actions (and sometimes they still don’t forgive).
God doesn’t tell us to be vindictive or passive aggressive, He tells us to 
forgive others in the same way He forgives us - with sincerity and compassion.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (Matthew 5:7)

When we purify our hearts of evilness, deceit and sinfulness, 
we are blessed in knowing that we will see God. 
We may not see Him visibly until we unite with Him in heaven, 
but we can see the results of His presence while we are still on earth.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8)

When we have a peaceful attitude, we are blessed 
in knowing that we will be called “children of God”.
When we have an attitude of peace, we will look for the good in others, 
and not the bad in them; we will accept them as they are with their faults 
(even though we may not like their actions); we will find ways to encourage 
and lift the spirits of others; we will discover new ways to enjoy their good 
qualities, rather than being suspicious of the things they do; we will be 
able to love them in spite of their faults, as God accepts and loves us in 
spite of ours; we will become ‘givers’ instead of ‘takers’.
Blessed are the peacemakers, 
for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9)

When we are mistreated by others as a result of our “living” faith, 
we are blessed in knowing that heaven is our ultimate destination 
for eternity, and that is where our ‘real’ rewards are stored.
Unfortunately, there are some who hide their faith anytime they feel they
will not be liked, or it will inhibit their activities and social interactions.
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 5:10-12) 

ACTION:
Jesus has given us all the information we need for being blessed, 
and He has given the Holy Spirit as a Helper to those who have 
surrendered to Him, to assist us in achieving what we need to do 
in order to receive His blessings.
What will you do with His instructions?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, I pray that I will heed the instructions Jesus gave to 
His disciples (and me) so that I can receive Your blessings in my life. 
Help me to modify my thoughts and actions so that I will develop a 
mindset that is more like Jesus. I pray that I will start allowing the Holy 
Spirit to guide my thoughts and actions as a replacement for allowing 
my own selfishness to be in control.” 

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