Steadfast

Matthew 5:10-12

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

These verses are regarding our attitude toward humanity. Jesus warns and encourages that we will have times,  but we can rejoice. For the Jewish people listening that day -they considered  verbal abuse as vicious. The Rabbis considered it as evil as idolatry, formication, and bloodshed combined. The one whose name was defamed would be so bad that he would consider suicide.  Persecution plays with your mind. Remember it’s never the person or thing that hurts you, but how you feel about it. That’s why people act differently to the same circumstance. 

A Spanish proverb says, “Truth, like oil, always comes to the surface.” 

We can settle and rejoice knowing that the kingdom is here and now and here and then. God has us now and will have us then. Can you see how much weight comes off your mind when you understand that? That is being blessed, that is being favored by God. enough for now.

He Will

 Matthew 5:7-9  NRSV

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

When I was a union rep we paid close attention to “shall” and “will”.  “Shall” may or may not happen. “Will” is binding. Hold that. And then remember that the blessings are here and now and in the future. We will experience God in the sacred space here and will experience in the sacred place. 

We work toward releasing any negativity that keeps us from experiencing God’s blessings. We don’t work toward getting in his presence. It doesn’t work that way, but we work toward following, listening, being guided by him and we find ourselves in that space. He will do what he promised he will do. Read your contract! enough for now.

Pray

Today, pray for Haiti and what they are facing from the earthquake. Pray for Afghanistan. Pray for leadership everywhere. Pray that wisdom abounds. Pray for yourself. Recognize that you need prayer also. Pray for me. enough now.

Give BAck

Exodus 35:5a

(NRSV): “Take from among you an offering to the Lord; let whoever is of a generous heart bring the Lord’s offering: . . .” 

Go back and read all of 35. God required specific things from the Israelites in the constructing of the Tabernacle. Some were difficult to come by, but they had them. The main thing is that God only wanted them from those whose heart was willing. Everyone has something to contribute- everyone has giftings but they mean so much more when you recognize that you offer them to God. 

I saw a bit of the closing Olympic ceremony and I was beaming. Countries that had never won -won. Some didn’t win, but they were there. They went for it. When you offer yourself, your gifts to God he uses them. But when it’s not quite the time you don’t give up, you stay ready, sharpening what he has given you. enough for now.