Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023, What in the World Is Going On? Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Our Lords suffering and sacrificial death were Gods means of blessing us: It is you who are the sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. For you first, God raised up His Servant, and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways (Acts 3:25-26). Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 11:23-26). Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God. And put them to use so you will be able ,Be prepared. 3) states summarily the ground of thanksgiving, expanding it with glowing fullness in vers. Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and cast insults at you, and spurn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. Moms come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing's for sureall moms need to connect with other moms! Labs They mock, and wickedly speak of oppression; They speak from on high. Fax: (262) 255-4195 Last week Art Lindsley referenced Hebrew poetry found in the Bible to give a more complete picture of flourishing. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. (19) Gods promised blessings do not assure us we will escape the wrath of men toward God, but only that we will escape the wrath of God toward men. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. Luke 6:20-28; 16:19-31 All of the prophets of Israel were resisted, rejected, and persecuted because they spoke to men for God: And the Lord, the God of their fathers, sent word to them again and again by His messengers, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place; but they continually mocked the messengers of God, despised His words and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, until there was no remedy (2 Chronicles 36:15-16).101. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. Malachi 3:10 (NIV), Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Thats the New Testament pattern: sacrificial generosity and service now; spectacular blessing later at the resurrection. Suffering is both a blessing, and a means of blessing, when it is suffering for Christs sake: For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21). He said, "I am the God that healeth thee." . Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Matthew 5:3-11 (NIV), Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it. Luke 11:28 (NIV), Jesus said, Blessed are those who have not seen me and yet have believed. John 20:29 (NIV), In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35 (NIV), Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 (NIV), The man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:25 (NIV), Even if you should suffer for what is right, you will be blessed. 1 Peter 3:14, If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 1 Peter 4:14 (NIV), If you cant carry that ten percent of your harvest to the place where the Lord chooses to be worshiped; if you live too far away, or if the Lord gives you a big harvest, then sell this part and take the money there instead. Deuteronomy 14:24-25 (CEV), You should be happy to give the poor what they need, because then the Lord will make you successful in everything you do. Deuteronomy 15:10 (CEV), Each man is to bring a gift as he is able, in proportion to the blessings that the Lord your God has given him. Deuteronomy 16:16-17 (TEV), Obey the Lord your God so that all these blessings will come and stay with you: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. After David was anointed as Israels future king, and Sauls replacement, David spent his days fleeing for his life from Saul who was bent on killing him (1 Samuel 18-31). And he said, Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account (Matthew 5:11). Gods temporal blessings are not inconsistent with suffering. Psalm 19:9. One can imagine how shocked men were to hear Jesus teach about Gods blessing and cursing precisely opposite from their own view: And turning His gaze on His disciples, He began to say, Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. When Israel turned from God, the promised cursings came. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. How were these saints so successful? When we understand the difference between Gods temporal blessings and His eternal blessings, we learn to expect suffering and trials as a part of His plan, and as a part of His program to bring about eternal blessing for us. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be everyone who blesses you!. We must see that in the midst of our suffering, we are drawn nearer to God, and recognize this as true blessing. - 2 Corinthians 9:8 Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Divine blessing certainly is not well understood. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. This was the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:5-7; 13:14-15) whose boundaries were more fully defined in Genesis 15:18-21. Paul says, The world is yours. The pure shall see God. . God does not promise to make us wealthy but that our relationship with Him will prosper. 9:11 (CEV), Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding. Proverbs 3:13 (NIV), They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed. Psalm 37:26 (NIV), The best of all the first fruits will belong to the priests. All this has come upon us, but we have not forgotten Thee, And we have not dealt falsely with Thy covenant. As we come to the study of divine blessing in our series, we begin by considering Gods promised blessings in the Old Testament. I will take away sickness from among you. It is the blessing which comes from faith in Jesus Christ and not from human effort or achievement. Though Esau would not receive the physical blessings passed down from Abraham, Isaac did give him a smaller blessing of limited agricultural blessings . But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him (Deuteronomy 8:2-6). Theres nothing like that in the New Testament. We can never, in and of ourselves, be worthy of divine blessings. The Jews thought of God's blessings in primarily physical and . Only in eternity will the full blessings of God be poured out on Gods people. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. The promised blessings of the Bible are the good which God has purposed and promised. Abraham had a twenty-five year wait for the blessing of a son. Dont have a stingy heart. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. He suffered because of his deception concerning Sarah. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. But, as it is written, What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him. The adversity of those whom Jesus called blessed made them discontent with this world, causing them to look ahead to the promised blessings of the kingdom of God. The Bereans "received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so" (Acts 17:10-11). It can range from getting a new girlfriend, a new job, or a pay raise, to finding a ten-dollar bill on the sidewalk or getting surprisingly good news. For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness. The trials and afflictions of the Israelites did not end with their exodus from Egypt. (4) What, if any, are the differences between temporal and eternal blessings? Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. Where are all spiritual blessings? | Church Page | murrayledger.com Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for in the same way their fathers used to treat the false prophets. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. How will Abraham be blessed, and how will he become a blessing to others? You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Spiritual Growth And Physical Blessing - Sermon Central Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. What are spiritual blessings? | GotQuestions.org And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" ( Matthew 5:5 ). Gods blessing is not only the gift of those things which are good and desirable but the removal of the curse. God chose Israel as the object of His blessings. No matter where a mom is on her journey, she's welcome at Where Moms Connect.. The rich man spent eternity in hell while Lazarus spent eternity enjoying the blessings God promised in Abraham. Transcript Craig Scott Pastor, United Church of God You do not have to fear the future when God's hand is over your life. Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. Christ is the source of all our blessings; indeed, He is the blessing: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. D W Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.". Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. Luke 14:14 (NIV), Give freely and spontaneously. He is author of. They will likely be a part of an Arab confederation known as "the king of the South" (Daniel 11:40-41 . Oh, God, help us to live with faith. J The point I wish to underscore here are the two very different categories of saints. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Through Thee we will push back our adversaries; Through Thy name we will trample down those who rise up against us. Men are not only condemned because they are destined to destruction, but because they deserve it and have decided for it (see Genesis 12:1-3; Deuteronomy 28; John 3:18; Revelation 16:5-6). God not only accomplished our salvation by the means of Christs suffering, but He uses suffering to draw men to Himself (Luke 6:20-23). Two Minutes with the Bible lets you start your day with short but powerful Bible study articles from the Berean Bible Society. 1 Corinthians 11:1-2 ESV / 21 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Psalm 112:1-2 (NIV), Blessed are those who keep my ways. Proverbs 8:32 (NIV), Each of these blessings depends on your not turning aside in any way from the laws I have given you; and you must never worship other gods. Deuteronomy 28:14 (Living), Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord, the man you teach from your law. Psalm 94:12 (NIV), It is sin to despise ones neighbors; blessed are those who help the poor. Proverbs 14:21 (NLT), It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35 (NIV), A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. Proverbs 22:9 (NIV), Good people will be generous to others and will be blessed for all they do. Isaiah 32:8 (NLT), Blessed is the man who finds wisdom and gains understanding. Proverbs 3:13 (NIV), A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. Proverbs 28:20 (NIV), The Lords curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. Proverbs 3:33 (NIV), People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell. Proverbs 11:26 (NIV), He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy. Proverbs 14:21 (NIV), Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. Proverbs 16:20 (NIV), An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end. Proverbs 20:21 (NIV), It will go well with those who convict the guilty and rich blessing will come upon them. Proverbs 24:25 (NIV), Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. Proverbs 28:14 (NIV), The Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. Those who identified with Israel and Israels God would also be blessed, as God told Abraham (Genesis 12:2-3). They were blessed by God, through faith. Routinely, such letters go in the trash without my even opening them. For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your children within you. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on Gods interests, but mans. Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. He leads me beside still waters. Bible Verses About Blessings and Prosperity. In his lifetime, Abraham would not possess the land of Canaan. The difference is that one group seems to succeed on the basis of faith while the other group suffers by faith. Or heres the way James puts it: Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him (James 1:12). If we are a child of God, we know His eternal plan allows only those things into our lives which result in our ultimate and eternal good: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). And in so doing, we actually miss the blessing God has for us in affliction. The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. List Of Over 80 Blessings In The Bible - Believers Portal 12 Bible verses about Blessings, Spiritual - Knowing Jesus Abraham was one-hundred and sixty years old when Jacob and Esau were born. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Like Job, they would be badgered by their friends to find the sin in their life, and confess it so they could be blessed. AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. Now to the one who works, his wage is not reckoned as a favor, but as what is due. Then Jacob made a vow, saying, If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear. (8) Divine cursing or condemnation is based upon an individuals decision and works. Heres the principle: in Gods wisdom, the Jewish religion of the Old Testament was largely a come and see religion. Verse Concepts. The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. The Lord will command the blessing on you in your barns and in all that you undertake. Phone: (262) 255-4750 Download a Personal Copy of these Bible Verses about Blessings! These trials came from the hand of the God who had promised to bless them: And you shall remember all the way which the Lord your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. In Christ, we receive every blessing because He is worthy (see Ephesians 1; Revelation 5:9-14). These are the blessings our Lord Himself brings to pass in His second coming. OpenBible.info Your clothing did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years. Thus, his wait would have been more than twenty-five years. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. Luke 14:12-14 (NIV), You will be blessed in every way, and you will be able to keep on being generous. Are we becoming more like Jesus by the power of the Spirit? Bob was born and raised in a Christian home i More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. And it shall come to pass, if thou . The promise of blessing passed from Abraham to Isaac (Genesis 26:24) to Jacob (Genesis 27:27-29; 28:12-15). Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. on 03/30/2021. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.. For 33 years, he served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But if you carefully obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. He also promised Abraham that he would become a blessing to all who would bless him. Selah. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also (John 14:1-3). And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth. U Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! Therefore his people return to this place; And waters of abundance are drunk by them. Verse Concepts. He points them to the true blessings which are in Christ. That is why I am commanding you to share your resources freely with the poor and with others in need. Deuteronomy 15:10-11 (NLT), Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in his times of trouble. What the Bible says about Blessings, Physical ( From Forerunner Commentary ) Proverbs 3:9-10 By paying to God what we owe Him (that is, His tithes), He rewards us with blessings. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him . in 1971. (5) What errors concerning divine blessing can we see in the Jews of old and also in Christians of today? It is in Christ, the seed of Abraham, that we are blessed. We seek to obey God when we used to delight in disobedience. And there shall no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His bond-servants shall serve Him; and they shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. They have set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue parades through the earth. In Christ, God bore the curse of sin and death and provided for us eternal life in its place. Ephesians 1:3-5. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit., Saying, If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.. B While the Old Testament records many instances in which Israel suffered for their sins, texts like this one in Psalm 44 indicate there are times when Gods people suffer innocently, for His sake (see verse 22).
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