There are times in our journey of faith when we can be blown off the road. You didn’t see it coming, but the impact is devastating. It could be a result of your own sinful foolishness or the slanderous jealousy of others. It could be caused by the extreme challenges you were facing and you crossed the tipping point. Whatever the reason, you have been crushed.

Whatever the cause, whether guilty or innocent, you cry out to God for help.

The good news is that God is not far away. He is near to those who are “contrite and lowly in spirit.”

The good news is that God is there to revive you and set you back on the journey road. It may take spiritual CPR, or removing the dark clouds so that you can see the light of His grace, or simply hearing Him say, “I am here and you are mine!”

His promise “to revive the heart” means to blow life back into you. This act of loving kindness is not from afar. For the high and lofty One dwells within you. He was with you when you went off the road. And He will be with you while you get back on it.

“I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will guide him and restore comfort to him.” (Isaiah 57:18)

PS… Happy Birthday Jonelle

When you read this final beatitude what stands out to you?

• Being persecuted, falsely accused, or slandered. OR…
• Being targeted because of righteousness and your relationship with Jesus.

The answer to the above may indicate what is more important to you. Is it your own personal safety and well being? Is it being well thought of and treated fairly?

The Bible clearly points out that a follower of Jesus will suffer. “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.” (Philippians 1:29) “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12)

We are to expect hostility because of our relationship with Christ. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19)

Hear the testimony of Paul and be encouraged. “You know all about my… persecutions, sufferings – what kinds of things happened to me… Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.” (2 Timothy 3:10-11) We are called to seek His kingdom and His righteousness. That is the mandate of our journey of faith.

Bitterness, divorce, anger, war!

Needed: Peacemakers

These will be people available to step into the gap to put out relational fires, to initiate reconstructive healing, to speak truth into chaos, and to bring peace that will lead to the glory of God.

Requirements: (1) The applicant must be in possession of God’s peace, and exhibit the fruit of peace, especially a joy that flows from a poverty of spirit and the riches of God’s grace. (2) One must be willing to set aside a personal agenda for the sake of the needs of others. (3) One must be willing to endure suffering, to be falsely accused, and to be verbally abused. (4) Creativity will greatly help in taking new initiatives to serve and disable combatants. (5) It is understood that this is a work that God will do through the applicant. (6) Faith and trust are key factors in the context of vulnerability to achieve success. (7) It is expected that the end result in all efforts will be the display of God’s glory.

Benefits: (1) You will experience the joy of the Lord in the process. (2) You will be a frontline participant in the work of the Spirit seeing God act for the glory of His name. (3) You will be used to bring healing and restoration to people on their way to destruction. (4) You will become known as a child of God because you will be continuing the work of your heavenly Father.

Opportunities: Unlimited, unexpected, both small and large cases are readily available. Starting date – Today.

Here is a standard that cannot be reached by a self-help program. The word pure has two meanings: cleansing from filth and to be unmixed, having no double allegiance. No matter how hard you try, the standard is too high. Jeremiah says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure” (17:9).

In the saving work of Jesus we are given a pure heart. It is the gift of God and the work of the Spirit.

The journey of faith requires good management of our new heart.

• Guard your heart and avoid evil.
  “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
• Monitor your input. This is more than just saying “NO!”
  “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)
  It is pursuing and may involve fleeing.
• Test your output. Ask God to search your heart.(Ps. 139:23-24)
  “As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.” (Proverbs 27:19)
• Regular Cleaning
  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

It is through God’s gift of a pure heart that we will see God clearly in all his glory. When was your last heart check-up?