Rich in Spirit

There is not a Methodist church in Tlaxiaco, so Sundays, I go with the family to a Pentecostal church. It is small, but strong. Many of the people who attend are poor, but they have great faith. These are people who know the necessity of God. They turn to God in their daily struggles, and so, He is part of their daily lives. Today, there seemed to be several clear examples of how Biblical promises truly spoke to these people.

Look at the birds: they do not plant seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns; yet your Father in Heaven takes care of them! Aren’t you worth much more than birds? Matthew 6:26

One of the pastors talked of how birds sing praises to God every morning, without worrying where their next meal will come from. God will provide. Aunque sea nada mas tortillas y sal, pero tenemos comida y alabamos al Señor. Personally, I’ve worried about money… but never if I would have food to eat. And while I may not always prepare myself full meals, a meal of tortillas and salt has never been my only option. But the pastor said that because more than likely, at some point many of the people in the congregation had eaten a meal of tortillas and salt out of necessity.

She had heard about Jesus, so she came in the crowd behind him, saying to herself, “If I just touch his clothes, I will get well.” ….. Jesus said to her, “My daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your trouble.” Mark 5: 27-28, 34

During testimonio time, a woman came up. She said that she did not normally attend this church, but that she knew the Word of God. She’d had some sort of head injury and heard that the pastor at this church was powerful in the spirit. She had come to be prayed over, and was now back to give testimony that she was healed.

Perhaps, when your means are uncertain, a God who provides and protects is crucial. When health care is inaccessible or too expensive, a God who heals is awe-inspiring. The promise of a place prepared for you in heaven must be even more appealing if your earthly place is less than comfortable. While many of these people are financially poor, they are spiritually rich. And they are certainly blessed.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Rejoice! And be exceeding glad, for great is thy reward in heaven.