"You're blessed when you're
at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
"You're blessed when you
feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the
One most dear to you.
"You're blessed when you're
content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find
yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
"You're blessed when you've
worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll
ever eat.
"You're blessed when you
care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
"You're blessed when you get
your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the
outside world.
"You're blessed when you can
show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you
discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
"You're blessed when your
commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper
into God's kingdom.
"Not only that—count
yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak
lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close
for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give
a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds.
And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always
gotten into this kind of trouble.
Matthew 5: 3-12 (The Message)
"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and
heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
Lord, last week I sat silently in the chapel as the leader
slowly read this passage, not once but four times, pausing in-between for its
words to sink into my soul.
These familiar words bursting with fresh meaning when read
prayerfully from a different version of Your Word.
Lord, Your blessings saturated my being and revolutionize my
purpose.
You're blessed when
you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God
in the outside world.
Lord, You start with my heart - my interior spirit - and
invite me to align my deepest center with You.
Then I see You, find You in all things.
I can't do it myself. I need You to mold me, guide me and
transform me into who You want me to be.
If my inside world is left to my recourse, my heart's
compass will fail to find You. I am lost when I try by myself.
If my ego strives for accomplishment, control and prestige,
I end up tangled and trapped at the end of my rope.
I must decrease; You must increase.
Make me invisible, Lord so only You shine through.
Empty me of everything and anything that blocks me from You.
You are the Beloved, loving Your beloved.
And I rest in Your gentle presence with grateful hands open
to receive
Your blessings.
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