BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN

Pastor Bill Marks, Christian Fellowship, Potchefstroom, (018) 293 1608 or 079 311 6515 Matthew 5:4 - “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” On Father’s Day last month the children of our congregation were called forward so that their fathers could pray for them. I had just finished praying for my grandson, when I saw a lone young man standing in front of me. His father was not with him. I took his hands and began to pray for him and said: “Son, I may not be your biological father, but on behalf of your father, I ask forgiveness if in any way I have hurt or disappointed you. I bless you today, my son, and may it go well with you.” Tears began running down his cheeks as he bitterly sobbed. I could literally sense the healing balm of the Lord bringing comfort in his life. He came to me afterwards and said: “Sir, my father has passed away, but today I have forgiven him, and the Lord has comforted me.” NEHEMIAH ALSO NEEDED TO BE COMFORTED Nehemiah 1:4 - “So it was when I heard these words that I sat down and wept and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of Heaven.” Nehemiah’s name means: “Jehovah consoles”. His distress at the news that the wall of Jerusalem was broken down and its gates burned with fire, drove Nehemiah to fast and pray. WHEN YOU NEED COMFORT, SEEK THE LORD Once comforted by the Lord, we should reach out to others in need, comfort them, and pray that God will bring restoration to their lives. Nehemiah 2:17 - “Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem that we no longer may be a reproach.” Let us stand together in these days and help one another to become as Isaiah 58:12 says: “You shall be called the repairer of broken walls and the restorer of streets to dwell in.” We should seek to comfort and care for one another, despite experiencing harsh and difficult circumstances. In 2 Corinthians 11:25-27 we are told that Paul was beaten 3 times with rods, stoned, shipwrecked 3 times, and experienced numerous other perils at sea as well as in the wilderness, as well as sleeplessness. BUT he says in verse 28: “Besides the other things that comes upon me daily is my deep concern for all the churches.” If you have a concern for people like Paul had, you will help bring comfort to God’s people with sincere compassion. Some people are looking to other sources for comfort: eating, drinking, self-absorption and materialism. Rather look to God! 2 Corinthians 1:3 - “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort...” JESUS SENT THE HOLY SPIRIT TO BE OUR COMFORTER John 14:16 - “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter to be with you for ever.” How wonderful to know that the Holy Spirit is also our Helper, Reinforcer, Strengthener, and Giver of power, might and victory! Sponsored by TG TRADERS