May.16.01: Light For The Day - "Blessed Beyond Measure." -- Genesis 28:15 (RSV) "Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go,  and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave  you until I have done that of which I have spoken to you." ----------------- The greatest blessing God gives is His presence.  If I could choose any of life’s blessings,  I certainly would not ask for wealth, because wealth  cannot bring freedom from pain, concern, or anxiety.  I certainly would not ask for popularity,  because there is no rest for the world’s leaders.  My choice, my highest honor, would be to have God  with me always. When God is with us, there is no  difference between Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace  (Dan. 3:19) and a comfortable bed. It does not matter!  We will be happy in either. If God is with us,  if His divine love surrounds us, then we carry our own  atmosphere and residence wherever we travel, and we  can say with Moses, “Lord, you have been our  dwelling place in all generations” (Ps. 90:1). The individual who can say this is full of heaven,  full of God, and blessed beyond measure. This is  the privilege of all who truly believe in Jesus, of all  who come out from the world, and of all who,  like Abraham, live a life of faith (Gen. 12:4).  Bow your head, believer, and let the Lord God  pronounce this blessing, “I will bless you.” If you are sorrowing, suffering, weary, or burdened,  receive this blessing from God’s own mouth,  “I will bless you.” If you are poor, despised, or slandered,  this blessing is not shortened. Take it with you,  and go on your way rejoicing. -- C.H.Spurgeon --------------------- -- Matthew 5:3-10 (RSV) "Blessed are the poor in spirit,  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 "Blessed are those who mourn,  for they shall be comforted. 5 "Blessed are the meek,  for they shall inherit the earth. 6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst  for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 "Blessed are the merciful,  for they shall obtain mercy. 8 "Blessed are the pure in heart,  for they shall see God. 9 "Blessed are the peacemakers,  for they shall be called sons of God. 10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for  righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.