My dear ones, today’s promise from Matthew 5:12 says, “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven.” When we rejoice in the Lord, we are reminded that He has prepared a great reward for us in heaven. As we continue to rejoice in Him, He pours out His blessings upon us and opens the windows of heaven to bless us abundantly. Whatever we sow on earth will yield a harvest according to God’s purposes. The Lord has prepared abundant blessings for us, both now and in the heavenly realms. However, we must respond to Him with faith and obedience. When we rejoice in the Lord, we experience His saving power even in the midst of suffering. When we acknowledge that the King dwells within us and live holy lives, knowing that our names are written in heaven, we can look forward to the great reward He has prepared for us. He also opens the windows of heaven and pours out His blessings upon us.

If we fail to live in this joy, we may find ourselves spiritually dry, even when the windows of heaven are open. But when we live with reverence and devotion to the Lord, joyfully following Jesus in every circumstance, we remain steadfast whether we have much or little, whether people bless us or curse us, and whether we receive our reward immediately or have to wait for it. In times of sorrow and joy alike, we can confidently declare that Jesus is our Saviour and that He has kept a great reward for us in heaven. When we rejoice in the assurance that our names are written in heaven, we can trust the Lord to provide for us abundantly. Malachi 3:10 speaks of the Lord opening the windows of heaven and pouring out blessings until there is no room left to receive them. May we always trust in His goodness and remain faithful to Him.

My dear ones, in Matthew 5:11, the Lord Jesus says that we are blessed when people insult us, persecute us, and falsely speak all kinds of evil against us because of Him. Therefore, even when people falsely accuse us, we can remain confident that we are blessed in the Lord. What kinds of people do we find in this world? There are wicked and unruly people. 2 Thessalonians 3:2 speaks of wicked and evil men, and Paul asks for prayer to be delivered from them. Some people lack genuine faith, yet they use the name of Jesus and outwardly appear to be His servants. Like Judas, they do everything for money. They deny Jesus and His servants, betray them, and act dishonestly for financial gain. But the Lord will stand by His children. He will reveal Himself to us as our King and our loving, honourable Father.

Next, there are people who are filled with envy. Proverbs 27:4 says, “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?” Envious people are also found in this world. Consider the example of Jesus. The chief priests and religious leaders were troubled by His growing influence among the people. Driven by envy, they brought false accusations against Him and delivered Him to Pilate. Such envy and opposition continue to exist in the world today. Next, there are those who are influenced by the devil. According to John 13:27, Satan entered into Judas. Such people act under the influence of evil. They may even resort to killing, destroying the reputations of others, and spreading lies. Consider Judas, who betrayed Jesus and later died by hanging himself. The troubles, distress, and suffering caused by evil actions continue to affect many people. Next, there are thieves. John 12:6 tells us that Judas did not care about the poor. Some people in positions of power claim that social service is unnecessary and that those in need should not be helped. They believe that nothing should be given to the poor and that even words of comfort are unnecessary. Why do they think this way? Consider Judas. He did not care about the poor because he was a thief. He kept the money bag and stole what was put into it. He misused the money entrusted to his care. Sadly, such people are still found in this world.

Finally, according to 2 Timothy 3:2, there are people who love themselves and money. They are boastful, proud, blasphemous, disobedient to their parents, unthankful, and unholy. What is the solution to all these problems? The Lord is willing to pour out His Spirit upon people through you and me. Acts 2:17 declares, “I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.” When people receive the Holy Spirit, they gain a new vision, and their lives are transformed. Their old ways pass away, and they become new creations in Christ. Stealing will cease, and those who are selfish will learn to sacrifice what they have and become a blessing to others. Those who are influenced by evil will be filled with the Spirit of God. Those who were consumed by jealousy will begin to bless others and greet everyone with love. The wicked, the unruly, and those with evil character can also be transformed by the Holy Spirit and begin to reveal Jesus through their lives.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, help us to rejoice in You in every circumstance, even amid suffering and persecution. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and transform our hearts. Remove jealousy, selfishness, dishonesty, and every evil desire from us. Help us to live holy lives, bless others, and remain faithful to You. Open the windows of heaven and pour out Your abundant blessings upon us. May our lives reveal Your love and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.