My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Labs Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. For all things are for your sakes, that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. Your clothing did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning, Bible Verses about Blessings - Blessed Scripture Quotes. The Jews of old and many Christians and others today think of Gods blessings in terms of the immediate enjoyment of physical and material pleasures and the absence of pain. TopicalBible Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Now the first thing we notice is that God lets us know that he is a healer. 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. So death works in us, but life in you. The writer may have meant that they were given promises, but they did not receive them. (From Forerunner Commentary). He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor. Psalm 112:1-9 (NIV), Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. Those who identified with Israel and Israels God would also be blessed, as God told Abraham (Genesis 12:2-3). Divine blessing refers to Gods purpose to bring about the good of an individual or nation, His proclamation of this purpose by His promise, and a program of bringing about this blessing which includes suffering and adversity. I know that no matter how good their promises sound, they simply are not true. If suffering is meant to result in our spiritual growth, in a deeper level of commitment, and in greater intimacy and communion with our Lord, we must accept suffering as a part of Gods good and perfect plan for our lives, one purposed to result in our good, in a blessing for us. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God. May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans! This, we felt, would add to the interest, especially since our readers understand that they first appeared as newspaper articles.". He blesses men out of His grace and curses out of His holiness. Their identification with Jesus Christ had brought on them the reproach of Christ and the opposition and persecution of unbelieving Jews. For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. This leads us right into the fourth blessing ( Ephesians 1:7 ), the redemption through His blood. In My Fathers house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 102 This is not to say they do not believe in spiritual and eternal blessings, but only that their emphasis is on present material prosperity. - Numbers 6:24-26. Pastor Sadler, you referred to our having physical blessings today. Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Some Christians seem to be saying that we can be assured of receiving all the promises now. And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. By faith, these saints conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises,103 shut the mouths of lions, received their dead back to life, and so on. Philippians 4:19 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And I think one of the most illumining texts about how we are blessed as Christians which we are; I would say we are infinitely blessed is 1 Corinthians 3:2123. But just what has God promised to do for Abraham? What an amazing promise--a promise which will surely be fulfilled! It is the blessing which comes from faith in Jesus Christ and not from human effort or achievement. If a nation repented of its sin and turned to God, its threatened judgment could be averted. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toilthis is the gift of God. 98 This verse tells us that Abraham was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. In the context of prayer, Paul prayed that he might have the Lord's prospering on his physical journey to visit the saints at Rome (Rom. All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in Jesus Christ. A beautiful way to begin any new year is with a dox Devotions for Growing Christians Spiritual Blessings Ephesians 1:3 - "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." Read Ephesians 1:3-14. He protects them and keeps them alive; he publicly honors them and destroys the power of their enemies. Psalm 41:1-2 (LB). 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. But Peter was wrong for supposing that Gods blessings were incompatible with suffering. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. Gods blessings are based upon His grace and not our works. Since the Mosaic covenant spelled out Gods blessings and cursings in this way in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28-30, this is not difficult to understand. May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. Selah. Our very clothing is a physical blessing. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things. Psalm 128:1-2 (NCV), Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 (NIV), If they listen and obey God, then they will be blessed with prosperity throughout their lives. All their years will be pleasant. Job 36:11 (NLT), Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. Job 5:17 (NIV), Blessed is the person who does not follow the advice of wicked people, take the path of sinners, or join the company of mockers. Psalm 1:1 (GW), Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Psalm 40:4 (NIV), Blessed are those who dwell in your house to worship; they are ever praising you. Psalm 84:4 (NIV), Give freely to the poor person, and do not wish that you didnt have to give. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Jesus teaching concerning His own suffering and death took His disciples by surprise: From that time Jesus Christ began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. He struggled with Esau from the womb until the day he left Canaan. What is the basis for blessing and cursing? Last week Art Lindsley referenced Hebrew poetry found in the Bible to give a more complete picture of flourishing. Are we becoming more like Jesus by the power of the Spirit? For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? 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. How could it be that the blessed Son of God could suffer? 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. Restore unto me the joy of my salvation, Father. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. But this command I gave them: Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. It is that New Jerusalem which comes down from heaven at our Lords return (Revelation 21:1-2). And that about wraps it up. The rich man spent eternity in hell while Lazarus spent eternity enjoying the blessings God promised in Abraham. For the Christian, good includes the blessing of all those who are the called in Jesus Christ. And the failure to recognize this distinction between Gods plan for Israel in the Old Testament and Gods plan for the church in the New Testament has caused a lot of people to put way too much emphasis on earthly blessings today. He suffered because of his deception concerning Sarah. This shall never happen to You. But He turned and said to Peter, Get behind Me, Satan! If we had forgotten the name of our God, Or extended our hands to a strange god; Would not God find this out? Israel was the showcase of Gods blessings among the nations. The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin. You do not have to fear the future when God's hand is over your life. D The primary goal of Gods perfect plan is to demonstrate the glory of God. (18) Christians will suffer--and not just for sin. For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Gods blessing is not based upon human merit or works, but upon His grace. What is a blessing according to the Bible? - GotQuestions.org Well, normally we do rejoice in a merciful God who forgives. Why did your father, Josiah, reign so long? This is not a blessing. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fulness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things upon the earth. Gods blessing is the overturning and removal of the curse due to sin. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him (James 1:2-5). Be glad in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets. Satan, once our master, has now become our enemy. Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him (Deuteronomy 8:2-6). Two Minutes with the Bible lets you start your day with short but powerful Bible study articles from the Berean Bible Society. Publisher: OpenBible.info. Of late I have been having discussions with my friends around what it means to be blessed. 101 See also Matthew 23:29-39; Acts 7:52. 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. Most of us are not quite this honest in our thinking, nor quite so bold in our rebellion against God and His Word. Eternal blessings are experienced by saints who have been transformed into the image of Christ, whose mortal bodies are left behind and who live in a new world free of sin, of Satan, and of the curse (see 1 Corinthians 15:35-58; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 21 and 22). 1 Corinthians 11:1-2 ESV / 21 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. For You make him most blessed forever; The first group--those who succeeded by faith--are described in verses 32-35a. Death becomes your servant because of Christs triumph over death. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. (9) Blessing or cursing are not necessarily evident in the means God employs to produce His desired goal. 103 Notice that while these saints obtained promises (verse 33) they did not receive what was promised (verse 39). When we observe the Lords Supper, we are partaking ofphysical elements, the bread and the cup, which convey aspiritual message (I Cor. It is also only in eternity that the curse of God will be fully poured out on sinners. (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. 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. W So theres the principle. We will see God: They shall see God (Matthew 5:8). Bible Verses About Unexpected Blessings - CHURCHGISTS.COM And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. This was the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:5-7; 13:14-15) whose boundaries were more fully defined in Genesis 15:18-21. Such eternal blessings are far greater than any temporary physical blessings we could receive. The blessings here are plainly associated with happiness and welfare, both for Abram and others. Think of being "in Christ" as a spiritual location. In Christ, we receive every blessing because He is worthy (see Ephesians 1; Revelation 5:9-14). Like Job, they would be badgered by their friends to find the sin in their life, and confess it so they could be blessed. These were much more perplexing times as we see from the agony of this psalmist: Thou art my King, O God; Command victories for Jacob. They suffered for Gods sake and not for their own sins (Psalm 44:22). Download a Personal Copy of these Bible Verses about Blessings! Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Before one can receive . What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? To me, it seems like the way God uses blessed or blessings in the Bible is very different from how its used now. Next we will look at our Lords teaching on blessing before turning to the rest of the New Testament to study divine blessing. We will never share your personal information and you can unsubscribe at any time. (7) The majority of the Jews in Jesus day concluded that Jesus could not be the promised Messiah because He failed to meet their expectations and desires. But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Revelation 21:1-8). The way you handle matters like this triggers God, your Gods, blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures. Deuteronomy 15:10 (Msg), Worship the Lord your God and his blessing will be on your food and water. For He knows the secrets of the heart. Only God can make something good from that which seems evil at the moment. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings - Bible Hub The Lord your God will bless your work and everything you touch. Deuteronomy 15:10 (NCV), Blessed is the man who trusts in you. Psalm 84:12 (NIV), If the place of worship is too far from your home for you to carry there the tithe of the produce that the Lord has blessed you with, then do this: Sell your produce and take the money with you to the one place of worship. Deuteronomy 14:24-25 (TEV), Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. Psalm 89:15 (NIV), Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right. Psalm 106:3 (NIV), Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. Psalm 128:1 (NIV), Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. We must see that in the midst of our suffering, we are drawn nearer to God, and recognize this as true blessing. It is by blessing Him that we enjoy Gods blessings, rather than the curse of sin. The way human beings experience God's blessing changes with the redemptive storyline that traverses the major peaks of creation, fall, redemption, and final restoration. On the other hand, Jesus said, Blessed are the poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3). We must therefore live by faith. The Bible teaches that all spiritual blessings are available only "in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). 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). Through Thee we will push back our adversaries; Through Thy name we will trample down those who rise up against us. Divine blessing in the Bible is always physical and spiritual because it is fixed upon the reality of the fullness of life in the presence of God. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. (7) Divine blessing is based upon divine grace and not human merit or effort. Blessings, Physical. My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. And there shall no longer be any night; and they shall not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God shall illumine them; and they shall reign forever and ever (Revelation 22:1-5). It is in Christ, the seed of Abraham, that we are blessed. This child was not merely an adopted heir, but Abrahams own son (Genesis 15:1-6). The true view of temporal blessing seeks the enjoyment of Gods presence whether in pain or pleasure. Phone: (262) 255-4750 God's blessings are meant to protect us, guide us to the path of righteousness, and give us hope. If we would understand what in the world God is doing in these days, we must understand what the Bible teaches about divine blessing. For, behold, those who are far from Thee will perish; Thou hast destroyed all those who are unfaithful to Thee. And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth. Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. Zechariah 8:13; 14:11 You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. The blood of Christ has taken away the guilt of our sins, and we stand before the Father as perfectly accepted. Indeed, this is how many translations of the Bible, including the New King James Version, translate Paul's statement to the Galatians: "Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made" . Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. He is author of. Gods national blessings and cursings were conditional. We now loathe that which we once loved. He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. Judaisms errors concerning divine blessings can be summed up in these statements. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Transcript Craig Scott Pastor, United Church of God The common factor in all the blessings in the Bible is this: God's Kingdom. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. They are based upon His sacrifice at Calvary but are realized in His coming to judge the earth: And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. Psalm 19:9. And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. The apostle John heard a voice from heaven saying, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord (Revelation 14:13). Such suffering serves as a test of our faith and obedience as we see from Jobs experiences.99 Precisely at times like these, Gods people find their perspectives changing and discover Gods presence as their true source of blessing: Surely God is good to Israel, To those who are pure in heart! And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. When affliction and adversity comes into our life, we conclude that suffering is incompatible with blessing. - Philippians 4:19 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. Gods promise to Abraham was not merely the promise of a son. He who overcomes shall inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. These are the very ones who would be chided today for their lack of faith. If a nation turned from God, its promised blessings would be taken away: At one moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to uproot, to pull down, or to destroy it; if that nation against which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent concerning the calamity I planned to bring on it. Trust in Him, and you will be blessed. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts. Our prayers reveal an understanding of Gods blessings virtually identical with the mistaken view of the Jews in Jesus day. Why dost Thou hide Thy face, And forget our affliction and our oppression? Such men say if we employ the right approach, (their approach, usually for a donation), success is assured. Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. For what does the Scripture say? You do not have to fear the future when God's hand is over your life. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. Woe to you who are well-fed now, for you shall be hungry. Your basket and your kitchen will be blessed. Why is that? Steps. And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect (Hebrews 11:32-40). 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. His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, Behold, we are your servants. But Joseph said to them, Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 1:3), God has also blessed us withphysical things. Exodus 1:5-22 Oh, God, help us to live with faith. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.. O Matthew 16:21-27 When we struggle with sin and the flesh (Romans 7), we know it is because we have become a new creation in Christ. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. 70+ Powerful Bible Verses About Blessings - LayCistercians.com Uphold me with Your generous Spirit. From later history, we know that because of Josephs ill-treatment by his brothers, he was enslaved in Egypt. When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Perhaps the most puzzling passage in the Old Testament concerning Gods blessings comes from the Book of Proverbs: It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich, And He adds no sorrow to it (Proverbs 10:22). We hope that you'll agree that while some of the references in these articles are dated, the spiritual truths taught therein are timeless. (1 Kings 10:1, 45). BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT (Romans 4:3-8). (3) Gods blessing is opposed to cursing. Spiritual Growth And Physical Blessing - Sermon Central When Jesus began to teach His disciples concerning His coming rejection, suffering, and death in Jerusalem, even His disciples reacted. But in addition to the deserved suffering of Israel, many godly Israelites suffered. As to the first, many will claim that God loves and forgives us all unconditionally. So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before the Lord his God. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused,if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctifiedby the Word of God and prayer (I Tim. 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. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. We must view such blessing and suffering as temporary and not eternal. And my people shall never again be put to shame. While we are primarily blessed with all spiritual blessingsin the heavenlies (Eph. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them (Hebrews 11:13-16). These blessings are not fulfilled in this life, but in the next. They think of Gods blessings primarily in terms of that which is physical and material.102 They believe that because Christ has come, every promised blessing can be ours, now, if we but believe and ask for them in faith. 100 When I speak of innocent suffering here, we must all understand that no mortal is ever innocent, save in the blood of Jesus Christ. While we should not seek suffering in this life, we should expect it, recognizing it as a part of the plan of a loving God who is bringing about our good and His glory.
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