Daily writing prompt

What’s the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?

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Are You Blessed?

You’ve probably heard someone say, “God bless you.” In the USA, people sometimes say, “God bless America.” I’ve always assumed that means you want God to give someone (or a country) His favor and protection in ways that make them feel good and special — to protect their lives and health — to give them lots of money and the good things that money can buy. That perspective is often called “the prosperity gospel.”

However, Jesus’ definition of being blessed is shockingly different. He said people who are inwardly broken are blessed because their humility and pain are urging them to surrender to the inner government (kingdom) of God.

Jesus said people who mourn are blessed because they are open to be comforted. He called the Holy Spirit “The Comforter.” To feel sorrow is a blessing because it helps you receive and live with the inner comforting of God the Holy Spirit.

Jesus taught that meek (flexible) people are blessed because they are bendable and willing to let God lead and direct them, so they can fully appreciate living on planet earth. He taught that people who hunger and thirst to know and obey God are blessed because they will be filled with His presence.

Jesus said that those who are merciful and forgiving are blessed. Why? Because they will receive God’s mercy and forgiveness.

He taught that people who seek to keep impure thoughts, feelings, and desires out of their heart are blessed. He said they will encounter, experience, and enjoy God’s presence.

Christ spoke a blessing over people who have inner peace and who spread that peace to others. He said they are blessed because people will recognize them as children of God.

Jesus also taught that people who are persecuted, insulted, and lied about for following and obeying Him are blessed. He told them to rejoice and be glad because they are being persecuted like the Old Testament prophets were, and they will be greatly rewarded for their faithfulness to Him.

Are you blessed? Don’t just read this and believe me. Read Jesus’ definition of being blessed. It’s in the Bible at Matthew 5:1-12.

Warning: Jesus said there will be many false prophets. Have you learned how the Bible says to recognize and avoid them?