February 11, 2011 The Beatitudes 5

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Good Morning, my dear brothers and sisters. It is Friday and another cold morning here at the Southern Location of the North Pole. Being Friday that means it is the day we pray for all those who work the fields of Harvest for our Lord Jesus. It does not make a difference if you preach, teach, sing, or just make that joyful noise, if you are doing it for Jesus we need to be praying for you this day.

The Big Trip 9-5 The Beatitudes 5: Matthew 5:1 - Now when He saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him 2 and He began to teach them, saying.
11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (NIV)

Today, our final day for the Beatitudes and we take a look at Matthew 5:11/12 and I ask you this question... How many times have people insulted you because of your love for Jesus? Before you answer hear me out a bit. I am insulted and hurt each and every time I hear someone cursing or putting down our Lord Jesus. I know how much my Jesus was hurt because of and for me... Now it is my turn to hurt for Him. I do love Him that much. Are you hurt when people put down the Lord and you hear it?

Have you been persecuted because of your love for Jesus? I want to walk a limb right now for the Mayor of Harrisburg, Pa. This lady loves God, she really does and she opens her meetings with prayer, and she, so it has been told, has said things about an evil man because he is openly gay. Folks, we must love all people but we for sure do not need to like at all what they do. So we need to pray for Mayor Linda Thompson. I fully understand that people will get on her case for opening with the Lord. I only need to look into the mirror and see this guy who after years and years of praying to open meetings on our bus board, one new board member complained and most of the others would not stand up and speak up for the prayer. I am no longer on the board of the bus museum but have some very dear friends who still are. And again I say how many people want to bring up your past after you come to our Lord Jesus to be saved? IT WILL HAPPEN TO YOU if you love Jesus.

But what does Jesus tell us to do when people hurt us because of Him, what does Jesus tell us to do when people insult us, or when they persecute you and even say false things about you? And folks, if you love Jesus this will happen, it is not if it will but when it will. Here is what we are to do - REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT BECAUSE GREAT IS OUR REWARD IN HEAVEN... and everyone stuck in an AMEN...

Dear Father in Heaven, we love You, and if it means people are going to put us down, or say false things about us, or even bring up our past that You took away, I say to them in the name of Jesus... Have at it, for my Jesus is loving me and I am loving Him more each day. Jesus, protect us from it, and help us through it till the day we sit at Your feet... I love You, Jesus. And I pray today for protection for all working for You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Now go forth sharing His love and when you need to TURN YOUR FACE TO THE OTHER SIDE. God is with you, share His blessings. Love ya, Pastor Dan.