This Year, Live by the Beatitudes (8)
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.” Mt 5:10 NKJV
In Yellowstone National Park there’s an interesting tree called a Lodgepole Pine. Its cones can hang on for years before falling off. Even then they remain tightly closed. They open only when they are in contact with intense heat. Whenever forest fires are raging and all the trees are being destroyed, the heat opens these particular pine cones. As a result, they are the first to assist nature in repopulating the forest. Jesus said to His disciples, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” There’s potential in each of us that’s only released when we’re under pressure or in a fiery trial. Job discovered this when God permitted Satan to test him. Job lost everything he had, including his children. And to add insult to injury, he was forced to endure the scorn of his wife and friends because of his unwavering faith. When it was over, Job, who got back twice as much as he lost, prayed, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You” (Job 42:5 NKJV). It’s one thing to hear how God works based on somebody else’s experience, it’s another to see it first-hand when you’re wondering, “What did I do to deserve this?” or asking, “If God’s really there, why am I here?” Why? (1) Because it’s in the fire that you discover new aspects of God’s care and character. (2) What turns worthless carbon into diamonds? Heat! Pressure! (3) In the fire you discover that when others abandon you, God remains faithful.
January 8, 2013 | Permalink14 Responses to This Year, Live by the Beatitudes (8)
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angelica walters says:
thanks
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Andrea says:
Amen. He keeps us in the palms of His hands. He is a keeper
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Elizabeth says:
Amen! How true this is. I am greatly encouraged.
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jacxqueline mahlangu says:
i pleased and happy to join the fasting movement 2013. i am with the words of encouragement and hope and faith
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Patricia says:
Amen!! It is truly only when you are in the fire that you do turn to precious diamonds. We just have to make sure we stay diamonds forever!. God bless each and everyone in this fast, and may our prayers be heard and manifested in the way that God wants it to. Be Bless!!!
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Dawn Moodie says:
Very inspiring to my soul.
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Leticia Ahumada says:
Thanks, The message isamazing
God bless -
Susan Gachomo says:
The story of Job really inspires me. When you have to one left but God that’s when no one matters than Him. You give Him undivided attention and you find Him. Because He promised to never leave you nor forsake you. Thank you for sharing the word. I am feeling better every day, and this being the 3rd day i feel much stronger than yesterday. Glory to God; He has been my strength each day.
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Jeanette Campbell says:
GOD IS EVERLASTING
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Clover says:
” I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eyes see You” This is very profound! This message really was a blessing to me. I am so blessed and feel so uplifted by this message, truly God is “AWESOME”in everyway! Lets keep on going, in the end it will all be worthwhile.
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Ify says:
Hallelujah! Our God is faithful…
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Reveda says:
Whatever it takes, purify me, cleanse me, get rid of all of the scattered pieces, and make me whole again. I am expected YOU to do what YOU do best! I submit myself, Let YOUR will be done in me life!
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Barbara says:
Praise God!!! I had just started the Daniel Fast 3 days ago with Gods leading. Then I discover your website!!! Oh how I shouted Praise God!!!!! And in reading everyones comments I was truley blessed!!!!!
praise god almighty for what he is going to do during and after this fast.what inspirational devotional message.
fire-heat-refine-cleansed leads to faithfullness and self control