BLESSING FOR THOSE WHO MOURN

DEVOTION FOR FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2016

Topic: BLESSING FOR THOSE WHO MOURN      

Text: Matthew 4 verse 4 - Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.                   

People who mourn over their spiritual wants and over sin because they are guilty; people who long for spiritual blessings, and come to Jesus Christ for them, according to His directions are blessed (Revelation 3:18). This beatitude includes also all the mourning which children of God are subjected to by the chastening through which God prepared them for the everlasting joy of heaven (Compare Hebrew 12:5-12). 

Obviously, mourning for righteousness here is that entire feeling which the sense of our spiritual poverty causes, and so the second beatitude is but the complement of the first. It is poverty of spirit that says, “I am undone” – Romans 7:24; and the mourning it causes, make it to break forth in lamentation. Thus they shall be comforted as God promised (Isaiah 61:3).

Beloved in Christ, we should note that as mourning goes before comfort, so comfort shall follow after mourning. Our godly sorrow for our own and others' sins shall end in everlasting joy and comfort. Our mourning and tears for the ills of the present day shall end also in joy. Just like sowing in tears and reaping in joy so shall all those who mourn will be comforted because the days of their mourning shall soon end, and then God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Do you have that poor spirit that will lead you into mourning? Do you have the tears God will wipe away so as to comfort you?

Food for Thought: Revelation 21:4

Memory verse: Matthew 4 verse 4 - Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Prayer: Give me the heart, O Lord, to mourn over my spiritual wants, sins and that of the world in Jesus name.

MOURNING TURNED INTO DANCING: Devotion for Monday September 19, 2016

MOURNING TURNED INTO DANCING: Devotion for Monday September 19, 2016                       

Text: Psalm 30:6 – 12                    Memory verse: Psalm 30:11

Yesterday, our food for thought was Isaiah 54:7 and 8. There, God was saying that in His wrath, He turns His face against us but with everlasting kindness He shows mercy to us. When God turned His face against us the result will be mourning but when He shows us His everlasting kindness, it will result into dancing. This was the case of the Psalmist here. This is similar to so many of us who had gone through the curves and problems of life. I am one of them as I have experienced God’s favour especially on this particular date when I went under the knives of doctors for a second kidney transplant operation. On a day like this when I remember the ordeals I passed through, I sing and dance unto the Lord God. The reason God brings us out of trouble so we can praise Him.

David's prosperity had led him into a state of false security but God sent him this affliction to wake him from it. In our text, we can see his frame of mind clearly shown here. 1. His carnal security. 2. His spiritual negligence. 3. His fervent prayers. 4. His speedy recovery. 5. His grateful acknowledgments. The carnal security and spiritual negligence are common within the ranks of the rich and well to do. When God, in His mercies rouses them from such state, they will begin to seek God in prayer.    

The false security David had built around himself made him feel invincible. Although he knew that his riches and power had come from God, they had gone to his head, making him proud. This can happen to any person if such fails to control his or her riches. There are dangers in wealth, power, and fame because of their intoxicating effect on people. It can make us to fell we are making them feel self-dependent, self-secure, and independent of God. But this false security can easily be shattered and they will be left dazed in the aftermath of self destruction. May that not be our portion in Jesus name. Don’t be trapped by the false security of wealth and riches. Depend on God for your security, and you won’t be shaken when worldly possessions disappear.

Food for Thought: Isaiah 61:3

Prayer: Lord, may your blessings not lull me into feeling independent of you.