This passage from Luke’s Gospel should make us stop in our tracks and say, “What?” I think that was Jesus’s intent.
Jesus challenged his listeners to reconsider everything they thought they knew about what it means to be “blessed.” As he did so often, Jesus turned expectations upside down and makes us look at life differently—saying, in effect, “Give up what you thought you knew about this world, and prepare to live for the next.”
And if that weren’t enough, he offers us this: “Your reward will be great in heaven” (v. 23).
So often, when we feel overwhelmed by the anxieties and heartaches of this life, we need to remember this. Hold fast to this pearl of great price: There’s something better coming. The world is passing. Things do change.
Look beyond today—and look up. You may be more blessed than you realize.
My prayer "Lord Jesus, increase my hunger for you and show me the way that leads to everlasting happiness and peace. May I desire you above all else and find perfect joy in doing your will." Amen
AMEN!!
AMEN! I am truly blessed. Thank you, My Lord God, thank you.
Amen❤️
Amen
Amen!
Amen.☮️
Amen.
*** Salina, “What?” God, “No, Salina…your question should be…”Who” first and foremost?” *** Here is “Who!” in Jeremiah 17:7, “But I will bless anyone who trusts in Me. I will do good things for the person who depends on Me!” *** Then, the answer for “What!” in Jeremiah 17:8, “They will be like a tree planted near water. It sends out its roots beside a stream. It is not afraid when heat comes. Its leaves are always green. It does not worry when there is no rain. It always bears fruit.” ******* Here is “How? in Psalm 1:1-2, “Blessed is the person who obeys the law of the Lord. They don’t follow the advice of evil people. They don’t make a habit of doing what sinners do. They don’t join those who make fun of the Lord and His law. Instead, the law of the Lord gives them joy. They think about His law day and night!” *** My prayer for my students and all of His children, “May we strive to know God (in His Word), to love Him (in others), to enjoy Him (in the personal encounters) and to glorify Him (in all I do)! Amen ✝️“
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Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those in need. Come to the side of those experiencing violence in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, and the Sudan. Please hear the pleas of all those suffering around the world - and give them strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.