In such a time as this the Lord our God tells us to focus on Him alone and not the things of this world. In Matthew Chapter 5 through 7 the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior and teacher gives His followers the Sermon on the Mount given on a mountainside almost 2,000 years ago to encourage Holy Spirit filled believers. When we as new believers in Christ born of the water and the Spirit the Lord can teach us what we should be as a new creation in Him.
In the Sermon of the Mount our Lord tells us how we should live when the Holy Spirit lives within us. The Lord says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit” which is the first principle of the kingdom of God. The Lord God wants us to trust in Him as our provider when we are facing challenges and obstacles in our life on earth. Our Heavenly Father will deliver us when we look to Him and His purpose and will for us day-by-day. At this time, the Lord Jesus Christ was speaking to Jews who believed that the sign of God’s blessings was material possessions. However, when Jesus Christ spoke, He said the opposite: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:3-12; Luke 6:20-23)
One of the problems of new-born again believers in our Lord Jesus Christ is that of keeping a sharp spiritual focus by reading the Word of God, fasting, and praying in such a time as this. The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic outbreak and its effects are placing pressure on many families worldwide in their need for jobs, health care and food. You can learn to withstand with the guidance and direction of Your Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit to sharpen your focus and vision on His higher purpose and calling on your life.
It is our prayer and hope that the Scripture verses taken from the Old and New Testament of the Holy Bible for this article will be a blessing to you and your family.
Scripture Verses for Meditation
“The LORD has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the House o Aaron.” (Psalm 115:12)
Our family and friends are subject to forget us at times. But God says He will never leave us nor forsake us. Our disappointments are ever before Him because He cares for us and is ever mindful regarding our daily needs.
“So, teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)
Each new year we are given another opportunity to serve God. There is no better time than now to give the Lord our God all our heart, soul, mind and strength for His glory and honor.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)
Mercy is “unmerited favor” form God. Sometimes we feel that when another has wronged us, we should punish that person. But we should remember that God will punish us if we rebuke and do not forgive others when they have offended us.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” (Colossians 3:23)
All our daily tasks we perform should be done “as unto the Lord,” for we are His servants. The eye of the Lord is constantly upon those who fear Him and serve as unto Him.
“The LORD is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” (Psalm 145:9)
The eye of the Lord God is upon all His creation. He sees the sparrow’s death and the fading of lilies of the field, will He not extend His watchful eye over you? Always know the Lord our God always has a watchful eye on all His creation. Let this thought always stay in your heart and soul.
“Call on Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)
The Lord God is always there when we call upon Him. He tells us to bring all our problems and needs to Him. None are ever too large or small for His ever-loving care.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, though I walk during trouble, please revive me, and stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies. Lord, place Your protective covering over me during these perilous times we are all living in. Lord, help me to stay focus and on course on Your path of righteousness. I know that Your right hand will save me. I will with Your help resist Satan and stand firm in faith knowing that other brothers and sisters in Christ are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (Psalm 138:7; 1 Peter 5:9; Zephaniah 3:17) LORD, thank You for forgiving me of my sins seen and unseen and known and unknown. Please strengthen and bless me with Your peace. (Psalm 29:11) In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
Scripture verses are taken from the NKJV and KJV of the Holy Bible.
By Constance A. Burns, NAAV Contributor for Moments of Meditation and Scripture Readings; email: cburns@naavets.org.