Blessings

     "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 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 5:1-12)."
     In these verses, Jesus is speaking of blessing. He never once talks about material blessing. Oh, it is true, He does love giving good gifts to His children, but we are never promised a life of luxury when we choose to follow Christ. In fact, some of the richest people that ever lived didn't have much material wealth, but they were filled with the presence of the Lord and in Him, had all they ever wanted or needed. 
     The kingdom of God is not about wealth. It is about seeking after Him and being obedient to Him. It is seeking His face, not just His hand. Too many people get caught up in thinking that if they choose Christ, He will give them a new house, new car and anything else they have their minds set on. True, Jesus may give you these things, but don't get caught up in what He can give you. Friend, it is not about money or material things. If that were so, every believer would have a bank account that overflows and every new gadget that comes out. 
     When God chooses to bless you materially, He does that so you can share what He has given you with others, not just for your own selfish gain. He talks about this in James. "You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures (4:2-3)."
     Every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17). He is our source. His supply is endless. With that being said, He promises to supply all of our needs (not our wants) according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:10). 
     So often times, we associate being blessed with something material. Jesus never once said blessed are you when you drive a new car or you buy a new house or you become CEO of a company...no my friend, we are truly blessed when we realize Jesus is everything and we live our lives to honor Him. He is the only One who can fill our deepest longings and desires. In Him, we have passion and  purpose. In Him, we know that this life is not all there is~He gives us hope through the darkest times in our lives. He is the One who makes our hearts joyful and satisfies like no other. "Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:8-9)."
     Blessing comes from intimately knowing the Lord Jesus Christ. It really is a love and a joy that nothing can compare to. Call on Him today my friend and let Him takeover your life...you will never be the same.
    "I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in you hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:15-19)."

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