You Shall Be Blessed and Filled

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” (Matt. 5:6)

A starving man will not be distracted by trinkets

He longs only for food. In the same way, when our hearts truly hunger for God, nothing else can satisfy but His righteousness.

To hunger and thirst after righteousness means to long for God’s presence more than anything this world can offer. Jesus Himself is the Bread of Life who fills our deepest need (John 6:35). As we crave His Word like newborns crave milk (1 Peter 2:2), He nourishes us and causes us to grow.

Therefore

True blessing is not found in earthly gain but in longing for Christ, who alone satisfies.

  1. Desire Him above all—let your greatest craving be for God’s presence.

  2. Feed on His Word—Scripture is the nourishment that grows righteousness.

  3. Stay filled—Jesus, the Bread of Life, satisfies every spiritual hunger.

“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.’” (John 6:35 ESV)

Quotes:

“To Hunger And Thirst After Righteousness Is When Nothing In The World Can Fascinate Us So Much As Being Near God.” – Smith Wigglesworth

“Not only do the followers of Jesus renounce their rights, they renounce their own righteousness too… Those who follow Jesus grow hungry and thirsty on the way.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Overflowing with Hope

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Rom. 15:13)

A candle in a dark room doesn’t just shine—it spreads light to everything around it. In the same way, when Christ fills us with hope, it cannot stay contained; it overflows and touches others.

Hope is not wishful thinking

It is the confident assurance that God keeps His promises. This living hope comes through Christ’s resurrection and is sustained by the encouragement of His Word (Rom. 15:4; 1 Peter 1:3). Even when we wait patiently for what we cannot yet see, we are anchored by His faithfulness (Rom. 8:24–25).

Therefore

Let God fill you with His joy and peace until your life overflows with hope that blesses others.

  1. Trust Him fully—hope grows as faith deepens.

  2. Stay in Scripture—God’s promises fuel lasting hope.

  3. Share your hope—encourage others with the confidence you have in Christ.

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Rom. 15:4 ESV)

Free Indeed!

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

A man once released a bird that had been trapped in a cage for years. At first, the bird hesitated, unsure of its freedom. But once it spread its wings, it soared into the sky where it belonged.

That is what Christ does for us

He breaks the chains of sin, fear, and guilt, and gives us true freedom—freedom to live in His grace, walk in His Spirit, and enjoy life as God intended.

Therefore

Don’t live as though you are still caged. Christ has set you free—walk boldly in that freedom.

  1. Thank Him—praise Jesus for the freedom He’s given you.

  2. Stand firm—don’t return to the bondage of sin (Gal. 5:1).

  3. Live free—use your freedom to serve God and love others.

“Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.” (Psalm 118:5)

Humble Yourself and Pray

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chron. 7:14)

A farmer once discovered his well had run dry. Instead of digging in pride on his own land, he humbled himself and asked a neighbor for help. Together they found fresh water flowing nearby. Humility opened the way to life.

God’s promise is clear

When His people humble themselves, confess their sin, and seek Him, He responds with forgiveness and healing. Pride resists God, but humility invites His presence and power.

Therefore

Healing begins when God’s people bow low in prayer and turn from sin. Humility is the doorway to revival.

  1. Confess honestly—admit your need and sins before God.

  2. Seek Him earnestly—pursue His presence above all else.

  3. Walk humbly—God exalts those who bow before Him (James 4:10).

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” (James 4:10)

Pray, Believe, and Receive

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)

A little boy once asked his father for a puppy. Each night, he set out a small bowl of water and a blanket, fully expecting the puppy would come. His faith in his father’s promise gave him confidence to prepare—even before he saw the answer.

That’s the heart of prayer

Jesus invites us not only to ask, but to believe that God hears and delights to answer. Faith is the key—when we pray in His name and according to His will, we can be confident He will act (John 14:13–14; John 15:7). God gives good gifts to His children, far better than we could imagine (Matt. 7:7–11).

Therefore

Pray with faith-filled confidence. God is not reluctant to bless; He is a loving Father who delights to give what is best.

  1. Ask boldly—bring your needs and desires to God in prayer.

  2. Believe deeply—trust His promises even before you see the answer.

  3. Receive gratefully—expect His goodness and give thanks when He provides.

“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” (Matt. 21:22 ESV)

God Gives Generous Wisdom

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)

A young man once asked an older mentor, “What’s the secret to success?” The mentor replied, “Good decisions.” The young man pressed further, “And how do you make good decisions?” With a smile, the mentor answered, “By learning from bad ones.” Experience can teach, but God’s wisdom spares us from many painful mistakes.

God delights in giving wisdom to His children. Unlike the world’s wisdom—often rooted in pride or self-interest—His wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy (James 3:17). It is more valuable than silver, gold, or jewels, and it leads to a life of blessing and peace (Proverbs 3:13–18).

Therefore

When you face decisions, don’t rely only on your own understanding. Ask God—He gives wisdom freely to all who seek Him.

  1. Pray for wisdom daily—invite God’s guidance in every choice.

  2. Treasure Scripture—it is the foundation of godly wisdom.

  3. Walk humbly—wisdom grows as we submit to Christ, who became for us the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:30).

“Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” (Prov. 4:7 NKJV)

Overcome evil with good

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom. 12:21)

As I write this post today, it’s only been a few days since Charlie Kirk was assassinated at an event where he was speaking to college students. I’m still processing this evil act, praying for the young man who committed it, and continuing to pray fervently for Charlie’s wife Erika and their two little children.

It’s hard to make sense out of evil

What shocked me was how many people on the internet immediately posted that they were glad he had been murdered. I had expected people on every side of the political spectrum to at least agree that the murder of anyone is wrong. But this was not the case. I shouldn’t have been surprised, because evil does exist. The Bible gives us examples: those who stoned Stephen, those who nearly killed the apostle Paul, and the crowd who shouted “Crucify Him!” as Jesus was led to the cross.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12)

God Can Use Evil for Good

Even though this evil act occurred, God is still bringing good out of it. Many are hearing the gospel preached and responding in faith, and Charlie’s organization, Turning Point USA, is experiencing explosive growth. According to Turning Point spokesperson Andrew Kolvet, the organization “has received over 32,000 inquiries in the 48-hours since his death to start new campus chapters.” To put that in perspective, they currently have 3,500 total.

The Bible Reminds Us

What others intend for evil, God can turn into good. Joseph told his brothers, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive.” (Gen. 50:20) And Romans 8:28 assures us, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Therefore

Evil is real and heartbreaking, but it does not have the final word. God is sovereign, and He can bring light, growth, and salvation out of the darkest of circumstances. Our call is not to be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good—trusting Him to bring ultimate good out of even the worst situations.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

Jesus, the light in the darkness

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Years ago, a miner was working deep underground when suddenly the power went out. The lights went dark, and he was left in pitch blackness. He couldn’t see his hand in front of his face. The air grew heavy with fear as he stumbled, disoriented, not knowing which direction led to safety.

After what felt like an eternity!

He saw the faint glow of another miner’s headlamp coming down the tunnel. That single light pierced the darkness, cutting through his fear. The man called out, “Follow me—I know the way out.” With relief, the miner followed close behind, his confidence growing with every step as the light led him to freedom.

Just as that lamp rescued him from the cave’s darkness, Jesus rescues us from the darkness of sin and despair. His light does not just show us the way—it is the way, and when we walk in it, we find life.

Therefore

The world is filled with confusion, sin, and despair—like stumbling in a dark cave. Without Christ, we remain lost in that darkness. But when we follow Him, His light leads us, guides us, and fills us with hope. His light does more than show us the way—it transforms us, giving us the very light of life.

If you feel lost or surrounded by darkness, follow the light of Christ. His Word will guide your steps, His Spirit will dwell within you, and His presence will drive away fear and despair.

The right response is threefold:

  1. Follow Him daily—make Christ the leader of your steps, not just in crisis, but in every choice.

  2. Walk in His Word—let Scripture be the lamp that directs your path.

  3. Shine His light—reflect Christ to others so they too may be led out of darkness.

“I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46)

“There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.” (John 1:9)

“For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” (2 Cor. 4:6)

Mike French
Rest for the Weary

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30)

Yoked together

A farmer once had two oxen yoked together to plow his field. The older, stronger ox carried most of the weight, while the younger, weaker one simply walked beside him. Because they were bound together, the weaker ox was able to do the work without being crushed by the load. In the same way, Jesus calls us to take His yoke upon us—not to burden us further, but to carry the weight we cannot bear on our own.

Rest in His presence

We live in a restless world, filled with heavy burdens—worry, guilt, work pressures, broken relationships, and uncertainty about the future. Yet Jesus promises true rest, not merely physical relief but rest for our souls. His rest comes from His presence, His gentleness, and His strength. It is not found in striving harder, but in surrendering more fully.

Therefore

When life feels overwhelming, come to Jesus. Lay your burdens at His feet and take up His yoke instead. His way is not heavy—it is filled with grace and peace.

The right response is twofold:

  1. Surrender your burdens—stop carrying them alone and give them to Christ.

  2. Walk with Him daily—learn from His gentleness and trust His strength to guide you.

“And he said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” (Exo. 33:14 ESV)

“For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.’” (Isa. 30:15 ESV)