Blessed

Life can be a rollercoaster with many ups and downs, twists and turns, challenges, exhilaration and times of calm. In the beatitudes can be found something for every season and emotion of life.

For many of our Ely and District CAP clients, the struggle with debt is just part of a difficult time in life with many challenges and uphill work, not just practically, but physically, mentally and spiritually as well. But the beatitudes bless the Poor in Spirit.

Matthew 5: 3 - 4 (NIV)

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

Poverty doesn't just mean poor in a financial sense, but for many is often a poverty of quality of life, of mental and spiritual health. Our society doesn't help as often living on benefits or having to use a foodbank are seen as things to look down on, that the person is a failure or sponger. But God sees into the true heart of poverty and embraces those who are suffering, provides comfort to those who morn what they have lost.

Matthew 5: 3 - 4 (MSG)

3 “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

4 “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

For those who are blessed with wealth - financial, health, happiness, spiritual wholeness, these gifts from God are something to pass onwards and not just keep to ourselves.

Matthew 5: 6 - 7 (NIV)

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

When we know the love and care of God in our lives, we can care too through mercy and compassion to others. Whether life is a struggle or we are content in our lives, we can know the true value of God's love that is completely satisfying.

Matthew 5: 6 - 7 (MSG)

6 “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

7 “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.

Whatever our situation in life, if we know God we can see God in any situation, we can feel His love and know His strength which enables us to carry on.

Matthew 5: 8 (NIV)

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

Matthew 5: 8 (MSG)

8 “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

That is why the work of Christians Against Poverty is so important, and different from other debt help solutions. By coming alongside our clients, not just in their journey out of debt, but getting to know them and sharing the love of God with them, our debt coaches and visit team hope to also help them know God in their hearts and in their lives.

Prayer

Please pray for all our clients as we approach Christmas, pray for peace from struggle and a time for rest, reflection and enjoyment. Pray that they would know the peace of Christ in their lives to give them love and strength for the journey out of debt and beyond.

Ely and District CAP in the news!

Fiona and Pat's talk about Ely and District CAP for the Rotary Club on 13th November made it into the Ely Standard. It is great that talks like this help spread the message of Ely and District CAP not just to interested groups like the Rotary Club, but beyond to the wider community as well.

Pat Del Grazia and Fiona Doughton gave the talk at the Rotary Club. (Image: Rosemary Westwell, Ely Standard)