THE BEATITUDES

 Reading from Matthew Ch 5 vs 1-12.

We should always be keen to listen to God whenever there is an opportunity. It's interesting that Christ says the term ‘blessed’ about experiencing things that we often avoid or don't want to go through. It just makes you think about how in every aspect of our lives, there's something about God to benefit from and keep us close him.

 He loves us in everything even when it looks like he has abandoned us or doesn't want to give us things we ask for. He is always present and there's always a part of his character that we can experience and learn from no matter what we go through. When we are low in our spirits or down from various things we go through? We can be encouraged that Gods kingdom is ours. It’s interesting when you look at the characteristics of the people mentioned for it doesn’t seem to be people ‘winning’ in life from our earthly perspective.

  When we mourn from loss or hurts? We experience the comfort of God and his spirit. When we hunger and thirst for righteousness, good things and things God is pleased with? he will satisfy and meet those needs. When we are lowly and humble ourselves? We are blessed with the inheritance of the earth, we don't always need to look like or be the ones doing the best to be able to see the goodness of God that he gives to us.

 When we show mercy when we could be angry or revenge? We too receive mercy from God and others for we must remember that we aren't always good. When we are trying to be pure in heart, having good intent, showing love for others? we will see God, it could mean seeing God through the lives of people and how he has a hand in everything and even just you noticing how he shows up for you in your life.

When we avoid watching conflict and try to make peace? When we make sure to encourage reconciliation? We get recognition as God's children for in doing such we reflect him. And when we are persecuted for righteousness sake and for the good things of Christ and his message? We must stay encouraged and endure for the kingdom of heaven is ours. When we actively walk with Christ, he helps us understand that people might; disrespect and persecute you, speak evil against you yet you're doing good and even bare false things on your account, but all this is a blessing.

It doesn’t quite feel like a blessing honestly but I’m learning that walking with God won’t always feel great even though it might seem easier to just let it all go and do what I like.

  But everything that happens as we walk with God is something to be glad of and be joyous about, for God will richly reward you in heaven and even give you wisdom here on earth. Think of those who went before us, setting up the church and sharing the word, imagine what they went through? Probably worse than us today but with time we will all see the glory that God will give them and even us. It's not always about 'good', even when terrible things occur and you feel rejected, hurt and ignored? God is still there for you, he hasn't abandoned you. There's just things about him that you can only experience and learn in certain spaces and we should be open to letting his will be done, no matter what it looks or feels like. It is always love and know that God loves you always.