Meditating The Word

Today's meditation is on Matthew 5:3-20
God blessed me when I was poor and realized my need for him. What happiness is mine, for he has given me the realm of heaven's kingdom here on earth. 
What delight comes to me when I wait upon the Lord. I have found what I longed for. 
God blessed me when I mourned, and he comforted me. 
What blessing comes to me when gentleness and humility live in me. For he has promised that I will inherit the whole earth and reign with him. 
God blesses and enriches me because I hunger and thirst for righteousness and in him, I am satisfied. 
God blesses me when I am merciful, and he has demonstrated great and tender mercy to me.
God blesses me with bliss because my heart is pure and my eyes are opened to see more and more of him.
God blesses me with joy because I am a peacemaker. He calls me his true child.
God blesses me when I am persecuted for doing right. I experience the realm of heaven's kingdom here on earth.
When people mock me, persecute me, lie about me and say all sorts of evil things against me because I love and follow Christ, I am blessed. Instead of being upset, I'm filled with a joy and peace that no one can take away from me. And I know that I have a great reward waiting for me in heaven. Even the ancient prophets were rejected. 
I am the salt of the earth. I will not lose my flavor, lest I be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 
My life lights up the world — like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. I will not hide my light, but let it shine brightly before others, so that my good deeds will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to Father God in heaven.
Jesus did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. He came to fulfill them and perfect what was written. Every prophecy of the Messiah was accomplished through his birth, life, death and resurrection. Not the smallest detail of God's law has disappeared, but Jesus achieved the purpose of each one through his life and his sacrifice on the cross.
I will not ignore God's Word, but will obey it and teach others to do the same. And God will call me great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
I cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven through my works or through my own righteousness, but praise God I don't have to. I have the righteousness of Christ in him. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Today's meditation is on 2 Corinthians Chapter 13
Christ is not weak or feeble in his dealings with me, but mighty and powerful within me. Although he was crucified in weakness, he now lives robed with God's power. I, too, am weak in my co-crucifixion with him, but I now live in God's triumphant power together with him. The power of God dwells in and flows through me.
My soul is strengthened and healed as I hold steadfast to my faith. I have experienced Jesus Christ himself living in me. This is the test of genuine faith. 
I will not do what is wrong by refusing correction. I do the right thing. I cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth. I am glad to seem weak to others, because I know that I am actually strong in Christ and in the process of becoming fully equipped and mature.
God in his merciful wisdom and correction doesn't tear me down, but strengthens me and builds me up. 
So, I am joyful. I am growing to maturity in my Christian walk. I encourage others. I live continually in peace and harmony, and God the source of love and peace, mingles with me. 
I greet my brothers and sisters in Christ with a sacred kiss. The grace and joyous favor of my Lord Jesus Christ, the unambiguous love of God, and the precious communion I share with the Holy Spirit are mine continually.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Today's meditation is on 2 Corinthians Chapters 11 & 12
God is jealous for me. I have been promised to him like a pure bride to one husband. I belong to Christ, and my pure and undivided devotion to him will not be corrupted. I will not be deceived as Eve was by the deceitful and clever lies of the serpent. And will not put up with whatever anyone tells me, or allow my thoughts to be corrupted and lose my single-hearted devotion and pure love for Christ. I will not accept a spirit and gospel that is false, but will stay true to the Spirit and gospel I have embraced. If someone preaches a different Jesus than the one I know from scripture, or a different kind of Spirit, I will reject them along with their deceitful message.
I don’t consider myself inferior, for even though I may be unskilled as a speaker, I’m not lacking in revelation knowledge. 
I humble myself to honor others and tell them of God’s Good News without expecting anything in return. I am not a financial burden to anyone. For God provides me all that I need. I have never been a burden to others, and I never will be. Because of my love for others and my trust in God.
As the reality of Christ lives within me, I will continue doing what I have always done, and rely on God alone as my source. God knows my heart. I thank God for spiritual discernment, for even Satan disguises himself to appear as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. 
Some may say I'm foolish, and I will admit that I am a fool for Christ. A descendant of Abraham through faith. If I boast, I would rather boast not about my accomplishments, but about the things that show how weak I am. God, the Father of my Lord Jesus, who is worthy of eternal praise, knows I am not lying.
Boasting about myself will do no good. I will boast only about my weaknesses. I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what I demonstrate with my life and work.
I thank God that if any thorn of the flesh, any circumstance or any messenger from Satan comes against me, God has provided more than enough grace for me, and his power finds its full expression through my weakness.
So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I'm weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in and working through me. My weakness doesn't defeat me, it delights me! When I'm surrounded by troubles on every side, when I face insults, hardships and persecutions, my love for Christ makes me stronger still. My weakness becomes a portal to God's power. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me, and it is able to perform supernatural signs, startling wonders and awesome miracles.
I will gladly spend all that I have and all that I am for others, even though at times it seems that the more I love, the less I am loved.
Still, I do not take advantage of anyone. I am a servant of Christ, and everything I do is meant to build up others and make them stronger in their faith.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Today's meditation is on 2 Corinthians Chapter 10
I strive to act with the gentleness and kindness of Christ, and not from human motives. Even though I am usually humble and timid, when necessary, I am also bold and outspoken.
Although I am human, I don’t wage war as humans do. I do not live by the standards of the world, but by the Spirit's wisdom and power. I use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. I do not use manipulation to achieve my aims. Instead, my spiritual weapons are energized with divine power. I destroy every proud obstacle, and dismantle the defenses behind which people hide, that keep them from knowing God. I demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. I capture like prisoners of war every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to Christ. 
I belong to Christ. And if I seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to me by the Lord, it is only because that authority builds up others. It doesn't tear them down. So I will not be ashamed of using my authority.
When it comes to the Word of God, I am forceful. I don't compare myself to others, using fellow humans as the standard of measurement. That would be pointless.
I will not boast about things done outside the authority I've been given by God. I will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given me. I do not reach beyond these boundaries.
Nor do I boast and claim credit for the work someone else has done. Instead, I work to develop my faith so that the boundaries of my work will be extended. I will preach the Good News wherever God leads me, not concerned about territories or interfering with someone else's work. If I boast, I will boast only about the Lord.
I know that bragging about myself doesn't count for anything. To have the Lord's approval and commendation is of far greater value.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Today's meditation is on 2 Corinthians Chapter 9
I am eager to do my part in the ministry of giving. I give willingly -- passionately even, not grudgingly. And I know that my enthusiasm is contagious and will result in even greater giving from others.
I am sowing seed for the future. A stingy sower will reap a meager harvest, but the one who sows from a generous spirit will reap an abundant harvest. Giving flows from my heart, not out of reluctance or in response to pressure, or from a sense of religious duty. It springs up freely from the joy of giving -- and God loves hilarious generosity. 
God is my source, and he is more than ready to overwhelm me with every form of grace so that I will have more than enough of everything -- every moment and in every way. God makes me overflow with abundance in every good thing I do. Not only do I always have everything I need, but I have plenty left over to share with others. It is written: 
“Because he has sown extravagantly and given to the poor, his kindness and generous deeds will never be forgotten.”
This generous God who supplies abundant seed for the farmer and then bread to eat, is even more extravagant toward me. First he supplies my every need, plus more. Then he multiplies the seed as I sow it, so that the harvest of my generosity will grow. 
I am abundantly enriched in every way as I give generously on every occasion. And those who receive thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of others are met, and they joyfully express their thanks to God.
Because of this extraordinary grace which God has lavished on me, and my obedience to the Gospel of Christ, they will affectionately remember me in their prayers. I thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Today's meditation is on 2 Corinthians Chapter 8
God in his kindness has poured out his grace upon me. He has filled me with super-abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity to others -- no matter what my circumstances. I give generously and spontaneously, with a cheerful heart, not only what I can afford, but far more. And I do it of my own free will. But my first action was to give myself to the Lord wholly and completely, holding nothing back. 
I strive to excel in whatever I do -- in my unstoppable faith, in powerful speech, in revelation knowledge, in passionate devotion, and in love. I excel also in grace-filled generosity.
God has not commanded that I give, but giving is a demonstration of how genuine my love is.
I have experienced the extravagant grace of my Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was infinitely rich, yet for my sake he became poor, so that by his poverty I could become rich beyond measure. 
So, I will finish what I have started, letting the eagerness I had in the beginning be matched now by my giving, as an act of worship. I give in proportion to what I have. And I know that in God's eyes, the size of the gift doesn't matter. Whatever I give is acceptable if I give it eagerly. And give according to what I have, and not what I don’t have. I do not give to make life easy for others and hard for myself. But I give where I am led by God and in the amount he impresses upon me. I have been blessed with plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, if I'm in need, others will share with me. This is the way things work in God's economy -- an equal sharing of abundance. As it is written, those who gathered much didn't have too much, and the one who gathered little didn't have too little.
My service glorifies the Lord and shows my eagerness to help. I am careful to be honorable before the Lord, but I also want everyone else to see that I am honorable. I am open both to the Lord's inspection and to man's. I am enthusiastic and confident in my service and bring honor to Christ, through my love for others. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
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Today's meditation is on 2 Corinthians Chapter 7
Because I have these wonderful promises, and because of my deepest respect and worship of God, I cleanse myself from everything that can defile my body or spirit. I remove anything from my life that contaminates me, and I work toward completing the development of holiness within me.
I have not done wrong to anyone, nor led anyone astray, nor taken advantage of anyone. My brothers and sisters in Christ are permanently in my heart, and they will stay there throughout my life. I have the highest confidence, and with an open heart, I take great pride in and boast about the body of Christ. My church family greatly encourages me. When I think of them, my heart is encouraged and overwhelmed with joy, even when I'm going through difficult times. 
In the natural, there may seem to be no rest for me. At times, conflict seems to come from every direction, with battles on the outside and emotional turmoil on the inside. But God always knows how to encourage the depressed. In his presence, I am filled with peace and my heart leaps for joy.
I realize that moments of pain in my life have caused me to repent and change my ways. It's the kind of sorrow God intends, sorrow that brings gain, not loss. Sorrow that led me away from sin and resulted in salvation. There is no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.
Good fruit was the result. This godly sorrow produced in me an earnestness and eagerness to do what is right. I experienced indignation and alarm. And it awakened a holy longing within me, a passion for God and a zeal to do everything necessary to make things right. In the sight of God I humbled myself, becoming loyal and faithful. 
Now, my mind is at ease. I follow God's Word with fear and deep respect. I put my complete confidence in God alone.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Today's meditation is on 2nd Corinthians Chapter 6
As God’s partner, I do not take his marvelous grace for granted, allowing it to have no effect on my life. At just the right time, he heard me. On the day of salvation, he helped me.
Indeed, the “right time” is now. This is the time of his favor. Today is the day of salvation.
I live in such a way that no one will stumble because of me. I don't place obstacles in anyone's way that would hinder them from coming to salvation. In everything I do, I show myself authentic in every way; a true proclaimer of God's Word. 
I patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. I do not lose courage in times of stress. I prove myself by my lifestyle of purity, my spiritual insights and understanding, my patience, by showing kindness, by the Holy Spirit within me, and by my sincere and uncritical love. 
I faithfully speak the truth by the power of God working through me, and with the mighty weapons of righteousness -- the sword of the Spirit in one hand and the shield of faith in the other. I serve God whether people honor me or despise me, whether they slander me or praise me. I remain steadfast and true, even when I'm called an impostor. I am sometimes ignored, even by those who know me. 
I have been close to death, but I am still alive. I have been knocked down, but continue to get up again. Even though my heart aches sometimes, I still have joy. I may suffer, yet in every season, I am always found rejoicing. Even if I may not be considered rich by the world's standards, I give spiritual riches to others. I may not own a lot of worldly things, yet I have everything.
I speak honestly, and my heart is open. There is no lack of love on my part, but love has been withheld from me by others. 
I do not team up with those who are unbelievers in mismatched alliances. Righteousness cannot be a partner with rebellion. And light cannot live with darkness. There can be no harmony between Christ and the devil. So, how can I be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and demons? For I am the temple of the living God. 
God promised that he would live in me, and walk with me. He promised to be my God and that I would be his. He called me out from among unbelievers, and asked me to separate myself from them. I don't so much as touch evil things. God has welcomed me. He is my father, and I am his daughter. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Today's meditation is on 2 Corinthians Chapter 5
I know that even if this body I live in is folded up at death like a tent, I will still have a God-built home that no human hands have built, which will last forever in the heavenly realm. Sometimes, I grow weary in my present body. I inwardly sigh, longing to put on my heavenly body like new clothing. For I will put on a heavenly body; I won't be a spirit without a body.
While I live in this earthly body, I groan under its burden. Not that I want to die and get rid of this body that clothes me, but rather, I want to put on my new body so that this dying body will be swallowed up by life. And this is no empty hope, for God himself has prepared me for this, and as a guarantee he has given me his Holy Spirit.
So I am always confident and full of courage, even though I know that as long as I live in this body I am not at home with the Lord. And I am homesick to be with the Master, for I live by faith, not by what I see with my eyes. I live in a joyful confidence, even though I would rather be away from this earthly body, for then I will be at home with the Lord. So whether I live or die, I make it my life's passion to live a life that is pleasing to him. For one day, I must stand before Christ to be judged. I will receive whatever I deserve for the good or evil I have done in this earthly body.
Because I understand my awesome responsibility to the Lord, I make it my passion to persuade others to turn to him. My life is transparent before the God who knows me fully. I hope that others can see my sincerity and not esteem outward appearances while overlooking what is in my heart
If it seems I am crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if I am in my right mind, it is for the benefit of others. For it is Christ's love that fuels my passion and holds me tightly. Since I believe that Christ died for me, I also believe that I have died to my old life. I no longer live a self-absorbed life, but a life that is poured out for him -- the one who died for me and now lives again. 
I refuse to evaluate people merely by their outward appearance. At one time I thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently I know him now! I no longer see him with limited human insight. I belong to Christ and have become a new person. All that is related to the old order has vanished. My old life is gone. Behold, everything is fresh and new. God has made all things new, and reconciled me to himself. It is a gift from God. 
And God has given me this task of reconciling others to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself. He no longer counts my sins against me, he doesn't keep a record at all. And he has entrusted to me the ministry of opening the door of reconciliation to God. I am Christ’s ambassador; carrying his message to the world as though God were tenderly pleading directly through my lips. I speak for Christ when I plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who knew no sin to become sin for me, so that I might become the righteousness of God through my union with him.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Today's meditation is on 2 Corinthians Chapter 4
It is through God’s mercy that I have been entrusted with the privilege of this new covenant ministry, so I do not lose heart. I will not quit or faint with weariness. Rather, I have renounced secret and shameful ways; I reject every cover-up and refuse to resort to cunning trickery or distorting the Word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly I open up my soul, presenting the truth to the conscience of others in the sight and presence of God.
And even if the gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the divine image of God. I don't preach myself, but rather the lordship of Jesus Christ, for I am a servant for his sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has cascaded his light into me -- the brilliant dawning light of the glorious knowledge of God as I gaze into the face of Jesus Christ.
I am like a common clay jar that carries this glorious treasure within, so that this immeasurable power will be seen as God's, not mine. I may be hard pressed on every side, but I am not crushed, perplexed, nor in despair. At times, I may not know what to do, but quitting is not an option. I may be persecuted by others, but God will never forsake or abandon me. I may be struck down, but I will not be destroyed. 
I continually share in the death of Jesus in my own body so that the resurrection life of Jesus will be revealed through my humanity. I consider living to mean that I am constantly being handed over to death for Jesus' sake so that the life of Jesus can be revealed. So the death at work in me, releases life in others. 
I have the same Spirit of faith as King David when he wrote, "First I believed; then I spoke in faith." So, also believed first, then spoke in faith. I am convinced that he who raised Jesus will raise me up with him and present me to himself. This amazing grace is reaching more and more people and will cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
Therefore I do not lose heart. Though the outward body eventually wears out, my inner being is renewed every single day. For my light and momentary troubles are achieving for me an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So I fix my eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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