CRA Newsletter Spring 2007

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GOD IS NEAR; GIVE HIM A CALL
by Rita Bennett

The Beatitudes Jesus taught are now famous. They are the beginning of a five-part sermon Jesus gave to His followers as He prepared them to lead a Spirit-led life.

I think the Beatitudes are even more valuable for His followers today than they were 2,000 years ago because we now have a clearer picture of the value, need, and progression of His message.

For instance, no Believer can fully obey God without the power of the Holy Spirit indwelling and filling him or her. Before Jesus’ ministry was over on earth, He kept hinting at the fact that, “It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you” (John 16:13 NJV mod.).

“And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which He said, you have heard from Me ... You will be Baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now” (Acts 1:4, 5b NKJV).

Jesus’ eight-point Beatitudes Sermon has rich teaching for the Believer who has experienced the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within and as an artesian well overflowing to others.

The main theme of the Beatitudes is that “God is at hand” He is not far away, but you must call upon Him to connect with Him.

The Second Beatitude

I want to speak to you at this time about the second Beatitude which is:

“Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted,” (Matthew 5:4).

You may ask, “How can mourning be a blessing from God when mourning is an outward expression of sadness and sorrow?”

The Bible speaks of individuals who have over the years hardened their hearts to God. Apparently people can go too far as Hebrews 3:13 says, “... But exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end” (NKJ).

Just think how awful if would be for an individual to continue breaking the moral laws of God, and live a life of carnality for decades. There may come a time when that person is so hardened that he cannot mourn and repent from his or her sinful life. We see here that mourning and repentance are gifts.

Our past is not as important as our life is now and our life at our end. How you began your spiritual race is not as important as how you complete it.

Mourn and Repent

Have you ever seen individuals mourn for their sins? Have you ever mourned for yours? I have.

In my twenties, I was a Sunday go-to-church believer most of the time, but I was not being fed spiritually or growing. During the spiritual famine of my university years, I was slowly falling away from my childhood faith.

Several years after my graduation, I was invited to a home where people gathered together to have Bible Study and to pray. A great Christian and close friend of mine had just died. I wasn’t sleeping well because I was not sure of my own salvation, should my life be shortened such as Gail’s.

The leader asked if I would like to be prayed for. I was in need so I knew I should say, “Yes.”

Several people gathered round me to join in. Not long after, I began to weep many tears as I realized I had ignored my “first love” -– Jesus. (Revelation 2:4) I had not retained that strong and ardent affection for God that I had from the age of nine to thirteen.

I could have been embarrassed but the tears felt so good and cleansing.

I mourned and repented for my sins, and I also mourned the death of my dear friend, Gail.

All I can say is that my life has never been the same. Since my spiritual renewal and new anointing with the Holy Spirit, I fell in love with Jesus Christ more than ever before. That love continues to grow.

Best Friend:

I believe mourning is a gift and a blessing. Truly I was comforted and Jesus has remained my forever-best Friend.

Jesus is near, He is “at hand” for you too. Try calling His phone number Jer. 33:3 “Call to Me, and I will answer you ...”

While there, ask to speak to my Best Friend. Repent if you need to. Share your heart. Tell Him your needs. You’ll be glad you did. If He isn’t already, I’m sure He wants to be your Best Friend too.

Jesus says: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,” (Matthew 5:4 NKJV). That is a promise.