Joy is Found in Suffering

Matthew 5:3-12 NIV

He said: 

Google Image

“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 children 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.

God allows bad things to happen so lessons can be learned or so people will come to know Him. I have been really spending time praying for Tripp and Quinn. "EB"ing a Mommy Tripp's blog and Quinn's CaringBridge site, (which in order to read you need to set up an account which is free), tell the story of two very brave, strong and very young souls who have known nothing but pain and suffering their whole lives. I would encourage you to head over and read their blogs to see the joy in the Lord that these parents have found while caring for their very sick young children. I cannot imagine the pain Tripp and Quinn go through every single minute of their lives, yet through it all God is there and people are coming to know Him through witnessing these children suffer and reading about the faith in God these parents have. These testimonies are strong, they are filled with God's presence.

Parents are cherishing their healthy children and people are being thankful for their lot in life when they read stories like these. Many people are lifting Tripp and Quinn, and other children like these, up to our Lord for relief and comfort. I believe these children are resting in the arms of Jesus Christ and He is ministering to them in ways that we cannot see or understand. 

Please pray for Quinn and Tripp as right now Quinn is not doing well after her stem cell transplant and Tripp is in such a mess that Courtney just can't believe Tripp is still fighting to stay alive. 

Quinn

Courtney & Tripp

God bless and thank you!
<>< 

Beatitudes

Google Image

Many people who come to Christ believe they will be delivered from all of their troubles. This is not so, He will provide deliverance while in trouble.

John 16:33 NIV

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Psalm 91:1-2 NIV

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
   will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
   my God, in whom I trust.” 

God does not give us a conquering life, but He gives us life as we rise above the situation. If you want your body to become strong you need to exercise it.  It is the strain of the exercise that strengthens the muscles. It is almost the same with your spirit. The more you exercise your spirit, first by reading God's word, then stepping out in faith in obedience to His word, the stronger your spirit will become. The difference between exercising your body and exercising your spirit is the body will become exhausted but the spirit will only become stronger and will never tire. 

When we stay in God's word and in the center of God's will then when trials and tribulation come He will provide all that we will need to overcome the situation. It is when we wander from His will that we will fall flat on our face. I know, I have fallen many times and I have found that it is not only safe in the center of His will but it is also very rewarding. 

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Where is this hope and future? In heaven.  Christians are citizens of heaven not of this earth. When you give your life to Christ you give up the earthly way and take on God's way.

Philippians 3:19-21 NIV

Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. 

God will make a way when there seems like there is no way. Keep the faith, trust in Him and stay in the center of His will by reading and then obeying His word. 

Matthew 5:3-12 NIV

“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 children 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.

Blessings,

<><