Tag: blessings

If Ye…, Then I…

Jeremiah 7:1-7

Blessings from God come in many shapes and forms. For example, someone who is sick, can receive a blessing of healing, while another who may struggle to find work, can be strategically set in the right place, at the right time, to land the perfect job. While God wants all His people blessed, some blessings can only be granted when certain conditions are met.

In the text, God instructed the prophet Jeremiah to call the people of Judah to repentance. The people were warned, if they amend their ways, and their doings, then God would bless them forever, and ever. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Well, there were many in that time, who would use lying and deception, in order to draw God’s people away from Him. Unfortunately, some gave in to the temptations of those who opposed God’s way, and were denied the promises of God, for a season. With their disobedience, came the inevitable judgement of God the Father. But, it was prophesied, the people would eventually turn back to God, and He would still fulfill the promise He made to them.

I don’t know about you, but I prefer to simply obey now, and avoid any type of judgment that could hinder my blessings. I need God, like every second, of every day. So, I choose to fear God, and keep His commandments, so that my days on this earth can be filled with all the blessings He has in store for me.

The Get-Along Gang

1 Peter 3:8-13

8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

Amiss

James 4:3

Thank you Father, for your word (that I don’t read).
Thank you Father, for your grace (that I don’t appreciate).
Thank you Father, for your power (that I don’t acknowledge).
Thank you Father, for your mercy (that I don’t recognize).
Thank you Father, for your love (that I take for granted).

Oftentimes, we go through life, acting as if God owes us something. We pray just for the sake of doing it, live how we want, do whatever we want, and fail to acknowledge all the good God does for us. God gave us His word, yet we rarely study it. We are daily loaded with grace and mercy, but we fail to appreciate it. The power of the almighty God can be seen all over the world, yet we place our confidence in frail men. God is love, and He allowed His love to take on the sins of all mankind, yet men ignorantly take Him for granted. When we pray, be sure our words align with our actions. When we spew vain words to God, we pray amiss, and the Father does not hear us. Let your life and your words always be pleasing to God, so when you pray, He will hear you, and He will answer you.

Payback!

Psalm 116

“What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?” (vs. 12). Is it possible, for a man or woman to repay God for all the good things He has done in their lives? Is there an amount of money, prayers, or vows we can present to God, in exchange for His bountiful dealings? There’s nothing man can do to pay God back for anything He does for them. The Bible mentions in 1 John 4:19, “We love him, because he first loved us.” God created man, in order to bless them. Unfortunately, sin threw a wrench in the perfect plan of God, causing men to lose faith, and eventually turn away from Him. But, in His everlasting grace and mercy, the Lord, God almighty, extends His love and blessings to all who turn back to Him, and commit themselves to doing His will.

The State Of The Church

Acts 2:42-47

Early Church vs. Modern Church

Early Church – Continued steadfastly in apostolic teaching
Modern Church- Brainwashed with man’s doctrine and watered down teaching (not all modern churches are corrupt, but a great many are)

The early church prospered in the faith, because they stayed true to following Christ’s doctrine. God’s Word is the only guide to help the church overcome all things contrary to His will. Unfortunately, the modern church has become corrupted with man’s opinions, over what God commanded leaders to teach. If the teaching is corrupt, the people will never grow.

Early Church – Gathered together in fellowship consistently
Modern Church – Finds more pleasure from social media, or online services

The early church was consistent in gathering together for fellowship, and prayer. Being in the company of fellow believers, gives one strength and encouragement, that can not be imparted apart from the body. The modern church has become accustomed to isolation, and lack the strength that comes from a unified gathering.

The early church was massive, yet they were still able to care for each other, so much that no one lacked any necessity. Everyone had food, shelter, and all things required to have a comfortable life. They continued daily sharing the same mind and overall outlook. Today, churches are divided all over the world, and many churches hold an average of 20 to 50 members. As small as the congregations have become, there’s more division and confusion in the few, than there was in the entire early church. When we move God’s agenda aside for our own selfish plans, the church will suffer lack in all important areas, but when God’s goals are the church’s priority, the entire body will prosper, and grow consistently in the knowledge of the Word.

“You can’t have a prosperous ‘New School’ organization, workout a solid ‘Ole School’ foundation.” – Ell

Profile: Stephen

Acts 6:8-15

Pros:
– Man of honest report (good reputation)
– Full of the Holy Ghost
– Full of wisdom
– Appointed as Deacon (to serve daily ministration)
– Full of faith
– Full of power
– Did great wonders and miracles among the people
– The glory of God shined even through his face

Cons:
– His godly favor stirred evil in the hearts of certain of the synagogue
– Men were paid to do underhand work against him
– Men set up false witnesses against him
– Men made false accusations against him

Just because a man or woman willingly chooses to submit themselves to the work of God’s kingdom, doesn’t guarantee they’ll be free from trouble. In fact, the closer a person gets to God, the harder the enemy will fight to pull them away from His hand. Oftentimes, those who will bring you the most trouble in the earth will come from the church. God’s way is right, and when men diligently seek His way, evil forces make it their business to hinder their progression. No matter how hard the devil tries to keep you from growing in God, stand firm in faith, knowing that through Christ, you can do all things, overcome all evil, and endure to a more perfect end.

“Fight the good fight, just because it’s right.” – Ell

For The Faith

Acts 7:9-15

Does being a good person exempt you from trouble? Oh, how I wish that were true. Being good, and doing good is expected behavior of the children of God, and He honors obedience by bestowing blessing to His people. But, while God seeks only to bless the church for obedience, satan desires to block and hinder God’s people from continuing in holiness. The devil and his minions try hard to bring down, and defame the body of Christ. Men who fall under the influence of satan, allow themselves to become wicked tools that work against the righteous, and some actually seem to succeed.

In our text, God had been using Stephen in a mighty way, to do great wonders and miracles among the people. All the works he did, and words he spoke were inspired by God. Unfortunately, while Stephen was busy tending to the Lord’s business, a group of jealous, hateful men assembled together to conspire against him. Anytime you set your affections solely toward God, expect someone to try hard to block your focus. The cruel and corrupt religious folk went so far as to lie on Stephen, as well as hire others to do underhand work for money. How low can you go? You’d think men not affiliated with the synagogue would do these hateful things to Stephen, but the same men who claimed Moses as their father, sought only to destroy the innocent, and anointed man of God.

It matters not how much good you do in this life, there will ALWAYS be those who seek to bring you down, but when your faith and trust rest in the Lord, He’ll give you the wisdom and power you need to minister, despite those who diligently conspire against you.

Stephen’s life was eventually taken by evil and corrupt men, but the message he left still resounds even to this day. If God were to call you home tomorrow, what would people remember you by? Would you be missed more for how you influenced others to get closer to God, or would your life be soon forgotten, because the works you did revolved only around selfish desires?

“He died for me… I’ll live for Him.” – Ell

A Godly Man

Psalm 128

To fear God is, to reverence, honor, and respect Him simply for who He is. When a man has the fear of God in His heart, he’ll always be mindful of his actions, and conduct himself in ways that are befitting of a Saint. Godly men are blessed, not because of their mere profession, but because they imitate holiness consistently in their walk, talk, and even their thoughts. God can freely bless those who abide in Him, because they’ll more than likely represent Him well, and not bring shame to his holy name, but those who fail to recognize the power and authority of the God of Heaven and earth, will never enjoy the full benefits His love can offer.

“We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.” – Ell