20 DAYS IN 2 HOURS CHALLENGE: “BLESSINGS” (Day 13)

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 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 just righteousness that we want,
or would like to have, but it is also a burning
desire created within us that has resulted in 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 of 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 or skeptical 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 when 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.
He is our advocate Who will 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 allow the Holy Spirit to guide
my thoughts and actions as a replacement for my own
selfishness being in control. I know that when He is in
control I can be more like Jesus and receive more of the
blessings you have for me.”

20 Day Challenge – Day 1:
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/07/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-1/

20 Day Challenge – Day 2:
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/08/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-2/

20 Day Challenge – Day 3:
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/09/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-3/

20 Day Challenge – Day 4:
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/10/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-4/

20 Day Challenge – Day 5:
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/11/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-5/

20 Day Challenge – Day 6:
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/12/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-6/

20 Day Challenge – Day 7
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/13/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-7/

20 Day Challenge – Day 8
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/14/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-8/

20 Day Challenge – Day 9
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/15/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-9/

20 Day Challenge – Day 10
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/16/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-10/

20 Day Challenge – Day 11
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/17/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-11/

20 Day Challenge – Day 12
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/18/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-12/