This morning Brother Jon Cardwell has posted a beautiful hymn on his blog that he penned himself. 

“Blessedness in Christ” is inspired by the truth expressed in Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” 

2 Timothy 2:12 tells us that everyone who desires to live a godly life can expect persecution and hardship.  Yet, no matter how fierce the buffeting, is there anything that can compare to the blessedness of being found in Christ?   I think not. 

Lastly, I plead with you to remember our dear brother in your prayers.  This beloved saint, who is a gift to the body of Christ, by God’s amazing grace, is glorifying God under tremendous affliction. You can read about, what he calls his “Light, Unidentified Affliction”  here.   For daily spiritual edification, I encourage you to read his blog .  I personally have benefited from his preaching and his teaching.  I bless God for this beloved saint who has resolved to know nothing but Christ, and him crucified. __________________________________________________________________________________
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 5:3

Sung in Common Meter (C.M.) to the tune of “Azmon” or “Hudson.” Familiar hymns sung to Azmon and Hudson are “O, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” and “At the Cross” respectively.

Blessedness in Christ
by Jon Cardwell

C.M. 8.6.8.6

Blessed they be in poverty;
When spirit is undone.
Apart from grace we wretched are—
There’s nothing save the Son.

Blessed are they that mourn and weep,
For comfort is their due;
When Jesus is their trust and hope,
For Gentile and the Jew.

When God’s foes speak against the meek,
There’s blessing in Christ’s words;
They’re strengthen’d by His grace and they’ll
Inherit the new earth.

Blessed are they when hungry and
For righteousness do thirst:
They shall be fill’d and satisfi’d
With Christ whom they love first.

Blessed they are, the merciful;
For mercy they’ve obtained,
In th’ precious blood of Jesus Christ,
The Lamb who had been slain.

Bless’d they are, the pure in heart
For their God they shall see;
When Christ returns to bring them home—
With Him forever be.

Bless’d are they when persecuted
For Christ’s righteousness’ sake;
The kingdom has been promis’d them—
Enduring by God’s grace.

Blessed are ye, when men revile;
And mock you for Christ’s sake
Rejoice and be exceeding glad
Your reward in heav’n’s great.

Blessed again are ye when they
Speak evil of your faith,
Rejoice and be exceeding glad
Your gift: to see Christ’s face!