For the past two weeks, we’ve been reading through the Beatitudes of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount. Jesus opened His pivotal sermon on the citizens, values, and ethics of God’s kingdom with what else but poetically-phrased lines about suffering. It must have shocked onlookers as they listened to the much-anticipated Messiah teaching that the citizens of God’s forever kingdom would be blessed in unexpected ways.
As I read each “blessed” statement, I think about the often asked question, “Do you want the good news or the bad news first?” Has anyone ever posed that question to you? Whenever my husband or a doctor or a friend asks me that question, my heart falls. “Oh no, there’s bad news and good news. Which one can I bear to hear first?”
Perhaps, like me, this was your initial response to the Beatitudes—that suffering is bad but God’s kingdom is good, so I guess we’ll have to take the good with the bad. I hope that this reading plan has challenged your perspective.
The reality is that humans have always been and already are living in the bad news: physical and spiritual poverty, grief, pride, hunger, vengeance, impurity, war, and unrighteousness. The fall of humankind corrupted all of creation, and the inhabitants of this world must live with the just consequences of sin—that is, the just consequences of active rebellion against God and His words.
Yet God, a good and gracious Father, prepares the citizens of His eternal kingdom for the suffering they will undoubtedly experience in this life, including persecution. God’s people suffer for His name’s sake. And in that, there is hope. That’s what our closing verse, Matthew 5:12, is all about—joy, gladness, and reward.
Jesus’s news is good news upon good news. His coming kingdom is the opposite of what was. It is a kingdom where there will be blessing upon blessing, joy and gladness upon joy and gladness, reward instead of desolation.
When Christ comes to reign eternally, there will be abundance, purity, perfect justice, unending mercy, peace, and righteousness forever. For now, the citizens of His kingdom are marked by grace since their acceptance is based on His merit. They’re known for their perseverance as they are continually strengthened by the Savior’s resurrection power (Philippians 3:10). They are characterized by hope because they know that they share in the same inheritance of the persecuted prophets of old who preceded them: a commendation into Christ’s forever kingdom. They are the blessed, the happy, and the glad.
When my Christian grandmother was close to passing away last year, my sister-in-law called to pray with me. She said something that caught me off guard. With complete sincerity and joy, she said, “Oh, she has so much to look forward to.” At first, her comment surprised me. Then, unexpectedly, my heart was warmed by the fire of her words. She was right. God’s saints grasp that this life is but a vapor but the perfect awaits us. As we live according to the values and commands of the already-but-not-yet kingdom, it should comfort us to know that God will strengthen our hearts for the task and keep our eyes fixed on Christ.
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98 thoughts on "Be Glad and Rejoice"
Amen!
Amen
A friend took her life on Monday. I know she loved Jesus but the last few months of her life spiritual oppression overtook her. My heart is so sad for her family and I miss her so much. But I know she no longer has any sorrow. So grateful for the Lord’s peace. So grateful for His promises. I’m behind on reading this devo and yet it is perfect timing.
Hallelujah ✋
This was my first SRT study and I really enjoyed it. I was so touched by the devotional when her sister-in-law said grandma she had so much to look forward too. It is so true and I never thought of that in that moment before. What a blessing praise Jesus! Now on the James!
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You made it through.. wonderful! See you in James.❤️
It has been a wonderful two weeks. I d learned so much. Definitely my favorite.
What a wonderful two weeks and a great reframing of what it means to be blessed in God’s kingdom. Life on this earth can feel so huge at times but ultimately, it’s a small blip in light of the eternity we get to spend in heaven. This reminder has gotten me through some really tough days. Thanks be to God! Praying for your requests and praying you all have a wonderful weekend!
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This was such a powerful devotional today that reminded me of the glorious hope we have in Christ. I have bittersweet tears running down my cheeks as I think about the fact that life is but a vapor, but eternal life with Jesus is forever.
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I looked back at the comments about the accident. I will check and see if this scooter was street legal. It was the stand up kind. He was probably 55 or over. Heavy set. Could have already had a back issue.
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I was cited because they are saying the scooter could have been in the round about first. From the witnesses that is not the case. The policeman didn’t seem to want to have to cite me.
I’m praying this is settled soon, in your favor, without having to go to court. Also praying for your peace in the meantime.
Yesterday I ran out to a store to buy a dress for my mother in laws funeral. I don’t have anything in Florida to wear. The women told me her daughter is not talking to her. She lost a baby in utero and then her father/husband to this woman died around the same time. I let her know that I lost my son. I told her my faith was and is the most important thing to me. That was how I made it through the hard times. I told her I’d pray for here and her daughter. Lisa and Kendall. She cried. I don’t think she was a woman of faith. Praying that a seed was planted.
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I’m letting go of the accident and allowing it to be in God’s hands. The insurance company will handle it. Praying for the man that he will be of fair mind.
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Amen ❤️
I was graciously blessed with Tanner telling me he was OKAY after he passed from this world on to being with Jesus. It was a strong vision. I gives me comfort and hope. Knowing that what we are living in now is not “it”. That we will by the grace of God be with our Father in heaven.
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This study teaches us so much about this life here. Gives hope when we feel desolate. Calm when anxious. The Beatitudes helped me work through the trying times of hospital visits, conferences, doctor and clinic visits. I had something to hold onto. The thankfulness I feel is overwhelming.
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Ahh, dear Traci, I hear you! Much love..❤️❤️
Happy Friday shes. I love this very much “When Christ comes to reign eternally, there will be abundance, purity, perfect justice, unending mercy, peace, and righteousness forever”, thank you BEVERLY for summing it up. That is an amazing picture to dwell upon. The other day, I was thinking of the glorified body. Since I have been dealing with this dull muscle ache on my right arm for a while, which I went to see a doctor, and soon a physiotherapist. As I waited in the doctor’s office, I imagined that future truth, the glorified body is no longer subject to decay, aging or death. We no longer need to maintain an anti-aging skincare routine, or be mindful of what we eat (I try to go for anti-inflammatory foods when going grocery), or do the many exercises to preserve our core strength and flexibility, walking in the sun for good mental health and mood improvement, etc. In that truth, the entire burden of physical upkeep and the complexities of health care maintenance will be replaced by perfect wholeness… provided by the Creator of Heaven and Earth. Isn’t that wonderful? I was very happy thinking about that promise and I was thanking and praising GOD. Anywho I got to run. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend with much joy and peace. Be blessed dear sisters.
That hope to a wonderful, no pain, no aging body is what so many long for, and KNOW will be!! I often think of that with my mom and those that went before! And I can’t wait to be free of hardware and can run and jump again! BUT for now, I am just grateful for what I CAN do!! I had only a little bit ago, when I was out driving (singing loud with Klove of course) I again thought of Joni Erickson that has been paralyzed since 17. Not able to do for herself for over 50 years. And another man that always come to mind Nick Juvick..that has no arms or legs! They carry on, and tell others of their faith in the one that carries our Hope!! I can’t wait to see him when he is here for National Day of Prayer Breakfast in just a few weeks! When I complain, I need to refocus on the blessing I have! Oh how we take it for granted. But yes, we also have a responsibility to take care of our vessel with good habits! They matter! :)
Amen. I don’t know how you do it with the hardware in your back (if i am not mistaken)… and all these years.
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Wow! How fast that two weeks went by!!
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This is a great explanation of the word “rejoice”, that I found online…
“In the Bible, “rejoice” (Hebrew: samach; Greek: chairo) means a deep, abiding joy rooted in God’s character, promises, and salvation, rather than a mere fleeting emotion of happiness. It is often an active command to praise God, celebrate His works, and maintain a joyful spiritual state regardless of circumstances, trials, or suffering.”
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deep
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abiding joy
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rooted in God’s character
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not a fleeting emotion
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Because our joy is rooted in God’s character and not in our circumstances, we can rejoice even in times of trials and testings.
This makes so much sense. If we depended on our circumstances or on our emotions, our life would be like a roller coaster! Praise God we are rooted in Him!
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A good example of rejoicing and being joyful even when everything looks hopeless is found in Habakkuk 3:17-18… “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
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Here is my own version, if I may…Though we have said goodbye to our two elders families, though we no longer have a praise & worship leader, though we will be losing more tithes, though our numbers are lower than they have ever been, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Lord may I truly be joyful even in this!
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Continued prayers for your requests.
Happy Friday, have a blessed weekend She’s! ❤️
Yes..Amen! EVEN IF! We have faith and trust, and know He takes care of us!
Beautifully said Sharon… Even when, and when… I will still praise Him, and be joyful in God my Saviour..
Amen. ❤️
Sharon…you mentioned watching The Chosen again. There is a great episode from (I think?) Season 5… A lot of His followers saying, “If You didn’t ___, It would have been enough.” They were seated around a table. I think it was Last Supper related? Maybe it is ME that should watch it again! I loved that episode. (Well, I pretty much love them all, you know!)
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“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” I was so happy to read this, this morning! This is the version I memorized. My LIFE verse! It went from being my running mantra years back when training for a marathon, to helping cope with major life altering changes and where I am today! It’s ALL my Jesus! I couldn’t have and won’t do life with out HIM!! “When Christ comes to reign eternally, there will be abundance, purity, perfect justice, unending mercy, peace and righteousness FOREVER!” – Beverly Berrus. Happy Friday sweet She’s!
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I KNEW it was your verse! :))
This is my life verse as well. God used it to get me through my anxiety. It was so bad at one point I couldn’t even leave the house. Praying this verse got me through those years. God is so, so good.
Mari, I have a friend, now a vicar, who has this tattooed on his arm.. I couldn’t do that, but I could etched it on my heart.. its so beautiful and such truth.. This verse is truly up there .. hugs to you dear friend..❤️
We can be glad and rejoice in our life because we know Him who is in control. I don’t know about tomorrow but I know who holds my hand!
Cheryl, I love that phrase, “I don’t know about tomorrow but I know who holds my hand!”
What a comforting and joy-inducing statement! thank you for sharing that.
We have so much to look forward to! Indeed we do. Thank you Father, that in Christ, you gave us THE WAY to live a life that is pleasing to you. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me so that one day I can see you, Lord. Let the Spirit continuously nudge us to keep our eyes fixed on you, especially as we take the good with the bad, Father. Thank you for the fierce love you have for us, God. Amen.
PS— this study touched me so much. I cannot believe two weeks passed so quickly. Keeping you all in prayer.
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Yes! Amen! ❤️
The hope we have in Jesus is the truly the best news we have as believers. It can be hard to fully wrap our heads around what awaits us even though we know this world is not our home and the abundant, glory of heaven awaits. I can say that wrestling with mortality and the frailty of life is in fact very difficult and untethering. The worries, pain,fears and unexpected circumstances of what our current situations are, take our eyes off of Jesus and yet that and He, is where we need to rest our gaze and anchor our hearts. It is the good news, upon good news that the devotional writer speaks of today.
Lord, thank you that you have given us good reason to rejoice and be glad with a hope and a freedom that we can hold on to in this broken world. Help us to share that good news, to give testimony to proclaim the truth and hope to this lost and broken world. May this knowledge give us strength, comfort and peace and fill our hearts with joy and gladness as we look to you and all that is to come. Amen❤️
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Amen Wendy B.!! You said exactly what I feel at times and yet so thankful for what God has done for me in the healing and hope. “wrestling with mortality and the frailty of life is in fact very difficult and untethering”. Some days when the doubts creep in and the pain overwhelms it’s hard to rest our gaze on Him. Lord, keep my eyes fixed on you and my faith strong. Today is the day that the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be glad in it! ❤️
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I don’t know about you, but ending the scripture readings with this..
“Woe to the earth and the sea,
because the devil has come down to you
with great fury,
because he knows his time is short”
left me with a little…”Yikes!’
The devil is/has come to KILL, STEAL, and DESTROY! This is no joke. He wants destruction..not with the “worldly,” for they are easy in today’s times, BUT those that belong to Jesus. He will oppress, try to add confusion and lies, and even overtly keep us busy, away from God.
BUT, we know, we can and will overcome by the blood of the lamb. Nothing can snatch us away. Only ourselves, turning from God, and grieving the Holy Spirit in that way.
SO! That is the good news, and WHAT we hang on to!! The devil wants to try to snatch us away from God by weighing us down constantly to make us no longer believe and turn against God. We can’t let that happen, because we KNOW we are indeed OVERCOMERS WITH JESUS, only with Jesus and that relationship!! Coming to the Throne of Grace and Mercy, a true relationship with the Lord. When you are there we can get through any tribulation, persecution, grief, brokenness, guilt, and shame. We CAN live in abundance with nothing. It will not be easy. But that’s why we have a stronghold with God, seeking his fortress. Seeking and searching the comfort and peace, in his shelter alone that he provides.
If it was not hard here we would not long for a better place. We are to be the hands and feet, and so we go through hard trials that increased our faith, to then share that with the ones going through it now.
When our health fails, we know we are not in control. When we are betrayed, we know friendships are feeble. When we are broken we see our fragility. When it is dark and lonely, we long for light. For how could we know beauty without drab. How could we know renewal without death. Spring comes after long winters. Rain comes after desserts and parchness.
When we go through the thick and thin of life, we need to be anchored. He is our anchor in the Storm. He IS the light that overcomes darkness. For when we are poor in Spirit, he makes us Rich in his death and resurrection! Given us the hope! Thank you God, for making a Way for us. Help us to share with a gusto and power, never ceasing to want to plant seeds, water, and harvest! The first time I was able to lead someone/s through the salvation call—well, it is just so unbelievable amazing to be a part of…you want to experience it again and again! How much more exciting it is living for Jesus. And as Paul stated above, yes even in every circumstance, I can be content!! Knowing our eternal destination is right around the corner!
2 Corinthians 4:17
“For our light afflictions, which are but for a moment (ha), ARE working for us a far better and exceedingly eternal weight of glory!”
A verse I memorized a couple of years ago when I was determined to start. And boy is it a tricky one to blurt out…but we say it in my “enduring chronic pain” group. Because the pain does not cease. And it can weigh us down, like any and all types of pain! But again, the devil would like nothing more for this to isolate us, and pull us away from God. Don’t let that happen. When we come together here, or together with our other sisters and brothers in Christ, it fortifies and strengthens us!
Be blessed today, and know the power you carry, in Jesus! He is alive and will never leave or forsake us, so why are we so quick to always rely on ourselves until we are worn out and depressed. Come. Come to him.
“light afflictions” I need to remember.
Amen ❤️
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Dear God, please strengthen my heart to complete the tasks that have been set before me and keep my eyes fixed on you. I can do all things through YOU because you strengthen me. I am typically a pretty content person, but man do I struggle when things are uncertain in my future. I like to have some type of plan to rely on moving forward like where I’m living, a routine, knowing when I can rest, etc. I struggle to fully give my worries and burdens to the Lord. Thank you all for your prayers for my mom the other day. She is very lucky that it was a small stroke and she is expected to make a full recovery. However, she is now dealing with terrible side effects from the aspirin concoction they have put her on, so now we are trying to figure out what else she can take to prevent a stroke in the future. It has just been constant bad luck/bad news for my family lately, and I don’t just don’t understand it. Trying to stay rooted in the Lord, strong for my mom, and patient with the doctors. If anyone has been there with stroke medication side effects, let me know! Have a blessed Friday!
Praying for you and your situation,Kim, that your prayers will be answered and that things will take a turn for good
Praying for your mom, you, and your family. Praying for strength and some joyful days ahead!
Praying for you Kim and your family.
Praying❤️
Continued prayers for your mom. ❤️
Praying for strength for you and your mom Kim and her road to recovery.
Amen!
Amen!
This broken world is the only bad news a believer will ever know. Yet non-believers will go from bad to worse.
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Lord, help me show/share the good news with those who have not yet entered Your eternal kingdom.
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SUNDAYSCHOOLTEACHER – praying your husband’s surgery was a success and his recovery is quick.
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TRACI GENDRON – praying for your peace of mind. Your insurance company should handle the other person’s lawyer. Leave it to them.
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Have a blessed day, ladies.
Praying
Amen. Praying along.
Kelly, adding my voice to yours in prayer..❤️❤️
Now I see the dreaded “awaiting moderation” – so yesterday’s may show up twice there and once today – sorry.
Grr
What the heck searching..lol. What did you write. (I haven’t gotten that message in awhile, I’ve been good, lol)
I wonder, with the recent acquisition of SRT by the new company, will the comment section be monitored differently? I hope that is not the case. This forum is a blessing to many.
They have a new company? I hadn’t heard that. Is Rachael and Amanda not the head anymore?
I hope if anything, they will fix the comments from kicking you out every comment and then you have to click back on. BUT still grateful we can at least reply where for years we couldn’t!
I read through it four times and I just don’t see a red flag…
A Christian division of Penguin House
Same when that’s happened to me. No logical explanation!
Rhonda, i have this trick, where i write my response, in the REPLY TO box, tap the POST COMMENT button, wait a second or two, then press the POST COMMENT button again. it will tell you you have slready posted comment. you will see in blue writing (i think) the word BACK. Press it,it wiill take you back to your comment. worry not, you just carry on to the next comment you want to respond to by deleting what is in the box. this trick will not post your comments until it takes you back to the original page. Then voila all your responses are where they should be. Try it! ❤️❤️❤️
ah! Thank you..I will!
Uh oh…what did you write SEARCHING? just joking, something incredible I bet. I can’t wait to read sister :)
Searching, that is pants, im sorry. Shall wait patiently to read your words..hugs ❤️
Amen❤️
Such a beautiful devotional! The devil’s time is short while God’s is infinite. Thank you Lord!
Amen, Beverly Berrus!
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SONG SHARE:
Passion – Even So Come (Lyrics And Chords/Live) ft. Chris Tomlin)
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
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Yes, Lord even so come. We long for heaven Father.
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You have been up so early Cee Gee? I hope your sleep was good.
Thanks, Mercy! It was great for a few hours. Usually no more than 2 nights like that and then back to sleeoing through. ❤
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I Know I have been truly BLESSED to have been given a vision of where my girl is.. For a few reasons.. 1) I know where she is, safe, with our Father God. 2) that one day, please God, I will be there in Eternity with her. 3) Most importantly, because I have been totally and utterly BLESSED to get just a glimpse, I believe without a shadow of doubt that this world is not my home, that I am just passing through(as the old song goes), that what awaits me, when that day comes is everything I have hoped and dreamed of here on earth.. in a measure I could never imagine… and guess what? It will be forever.. not just for a short time and then we move on, NO, FOREVER AND EVER, EVER!
The world as we know it now will be gone, not ever a distant memory, not even something to remember and look back on.. gone!
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BUT GOD..
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I am thankful, in fact, forever gratefully thankful,covered in gladness and rejoicing, to our Gracious Father God, who truly BLESSED me to have had a glimpse of what is to come..
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If I could add my own Be-atitude.. it would be..
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Blessed is she for whom life looked bleak,
for the Lord God never forgot her..
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Amen!
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Happy Friday my dears.. it is well, even in the storms we may face, for the Kingdom of God is at hand,He is near, always.
Much love and hugs and prayers for all..❤️❤️
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Tina your Beattitude brings my heart joy this morning. Love you dear sister!
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Love, love your beatitude
How amazing that must have been for you Tina. Nothing can be harder than the loss of a child. But to know, we will see them again. So comforting.
I have a friend that lost her son a year ago, and not a believer. It can be so much harder in that case. We just like to believe they cried out to God in those last moments. I think the seeds need to be there strong. That is something we have done for our prodigals. If they once believed, they ARE part of the family, they are just away temporarily. They still are a son or daughter. That is comforting. God will bring them back.
LOVE YOU sweet Tina!!
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Oh, Tina
Your own Be-attitude was a Beautiful Blessing!
Much love and hugs back sweet Tina ❤️
Tina, this is beautiful and brought such joy to my heart! I pray that your blessings are doubled and that the joy of the Lord will fill your day.
Amen❤️❤️❤️
Amen ❤️