Starting out with the first day of the month of October, I have decided to choose a verse (or use the verse of the day from Biblegateway.com), and write a devotional thought, or prayer, or blurb, a “point to ponder” each day, to have for personal use, and to share with others, as a way of “shining my light”. Please feel free to agree or disagree with points made, and feel free to comment if so desired. If you would like, you could write your own thoughts on the verse of the day, and include that in your own notes, or comments below. Thank you and may you be blessed. =)
Written by Mitzi Hall
“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 5:11-12
Funny when we think of the word “blessed” or “blessings” we think positive thoughts. What a joy it is when we are blessed by our Heavenly Father. We all want to receive many bountiful blessings from Him. Especially since Thanksgiving is approaching, it reminds us to thank Him for even the little things in life that He supplies. Where would we be without Him?? Scary thought… so we won’t stop to think it.
However, blessings in this verse found in Matthew 5:11-12 are of a different sort. We still in deed receive our heavenly blessings from our Father, but we have to receive negative feedback from our earthly peers. What’s that all about?? Who in their right mind is happy or blessed when they are persecuted or insulted? I know the Bible clearly states to turn the other cheek when someone hits you… but seriously, now we are to feel happy. Blessed is another word for happy… how many times a day are you insulted, persecuted, lied to or lied about, and how many times are you thankful for that negative response? I know that I will try now to respond positively, as I am going to receive a blessing/reward from my Father in Heaven one day.
Our earthly persecutions are nothing compared to the persecution that Jesus faced, or any of the Biblical characters like Paul. We are free, and not stuck in chains, or bound alone on a deserted island. We need to take a stand, and stand firm in our beliefs, and stick up for Jesus and what He has done in our lives. No matter what anyone else says or thinks we need to set the standard for the world to follow… the generations behind us will look to us for the example to set. We need to set the example, by following the example of Christ as Paul states in the Word -- “Imitate me as I imitate Christ”.
Be blessed, and be a blessing!
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