Bible Readings

Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1,
1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26

Then looking up at his disciples, he said:
“Blessed are you who are poor, because the kingdom of God is yours.  Blessed are you who are hungry now, because you will be filled.  Blessed are you who weep now, because you will laugh.  Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you, insult you, and slander your name as evil because of the Son of Man. 
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy.  Take note – your reward is great in heaven, for this is the way their ancestors used to treat the prophets.” Luke 6:20-23

These are certainly disguised blessings.  Choosing to be poor, hungry, sorrowful, hated, insulted and slandered are not what most of us would do.  Yet, Jesus says those who walk these paths have every reason to be happy, to even “leap for joy” because of what lies ahead, because of what they will experience in the future.

http://www.chisholmbaptist.org/sermons/blessings-in-disguise/