You shall not prolong your days in the land where you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess it. Then many people will thank God when we deliver your gift. 2 Corinthians 9:11 (CEV), 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 his: Sell your produce and take the money with you to the one place of worship. Deuteronomy 14:24-25 (TEV), God blesses those who are kind to the poor and helpless. Luke 6:20-28; 16:19-31 This is the profession of Job: And he said, Naked I came from my mothers womb, and naked I shall return there. In the Old Testament we find that while the righteous were those who believed Gods promise of blessing, they were also those who suffered innocently.100 David suffered for his sins (Psalm 32), but he also suffered innocently for the Lords sake (see Psalm 22). But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE, we also believe, therefore also we speak; knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. 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. "In everything [ not just some things and not just spiritual things] give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (I Thes. And in so doing, we actually miss the blessing God has for us in affliction. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them, and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new. And He said, Write, for these words are faithful and true. And He said to me, It is done. (4) What, if any, are the differences between temporal and eternal blessings? Unfortunately, many Christians today hold to the same basic errors held by the Jews of Jesus day. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. With that in mind, what is a biblical definition of what it means to be truly blessed?. This child was not merely an adopted heir, but Abrahams own son (Genesis 15:1-6). To this we would add that the same is true for the articles written by others that we continue to add, on a regular basis, to the Two Minutes library. Exodus 1:5-22 You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. 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. 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. Later Judah and his brothers suffered much over their ill-treatment of Joseph (see Genesis 37-45). This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.. Are There Physical Blessings Today? | Berean Bible Society Psalm 19:9. Many were the times in Israels history when God brought calamity upon His people due to their sins, yet the nation Israel never seemed to learn her lesson (see Psalm 78). Good will comes to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Awake, do not reject us forever. Thou dost sell Thy people cheaply, And hast not profited by their sale. 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). Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. God promised to finish the work He started in us (Philippians 1:6). A review of Jesus teaching about the kingdom of God and about the blessings of God explains why His teaching was found unacceptable by the Jews. Israel was the showcase of Gods blessings among the nations. Humanly speaking, men are blessed or cursed on the basis of their response to Abrahams seed, Jesus Christ (Genesis 12:3; Psalm 24:3-6; 32:1-2; 84:4-5; 89:14-18; John 3:16-18; 14:6; Acts 3:26; Romans 4:6-8; Galatians 3:9, 13-16; 1 John 5:11-12). At other times, Israels suffering was not due to her unbelief and rebellion. Suffering is also a blessing because it is a part of Gods process of sanctification. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. This is one of the reasons Jesus teaching and His offer of the kingdom was rejected. Often, the Old Testament Israelite had a mistaken concept of Gods blessings. Publication date: Mar 3, 2023. Peter rebuked our Lord for speaking of His own suffering (see Matthew 16:21-22). Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023, What in the World Is Going On? Three Biblical Blessings That Illustrate Flourishing The suffering of some saints should be no more troublesome to us than the success of some saints, or even the success of some sinners. 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? The Bible teaches that all spiritual blessings are available only "in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). Before one can receive . U This is to be the pattern for the Christians dealings with others, including our enemies (Matthew 6:44-48; Acts 14:15-17; 17:30-31). Then in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet complete (Genesis 15:13-16). If we would understand what in the world God is doing in these days, we must understand what the Bible teaches about divine blessing. 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. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed. Proverbs 3:13-18 (NIV), The memory of the righteous will be a blessing. Proverbs 10:7 (NIV), He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. Proverbs 21:21 (NIV), Jesus said to his host, When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. Such eternal blessings are far greater than any temporary physical blessings we could receive. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Q 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. How they are destroyed in a moment! 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. Gods blessings are the fulfillment of His promise and the conclusion of a process which includes suffering and sorrow. It cuts across all ethnicities, all geographies, all politics, nationalities. Browse the best Bible verses about blessings in this collection of scripture quotes: Photo credit: GettyImages/Digitalskillet. Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.. 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. In Christ, God bore the curse of sin and death and provided for us eternal life in its place. If you have not trusted in Gods promise of blessing in Jesus Christ, then you are under the curse of sin. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. A Psalm of David. 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). The great nation was still one seed, Jacob. Jacob struggled with Laban (see Genesis 31:42). 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). And if it costs you your life, lay it down. Jesus says very plainly, Any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:33). His teaching was radically different from that of the Jewish religious leaders of His day. Verse Concepts. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. on 03/30/2021. Proverbs 15:6 says, "In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but in the revenues of the wicked there is trouble.". But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. I see the term blessed associated with material possessions or family or health. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. Blessings in the Bible (85 instances) - Knowing Jesus Then many people will thank God when we deliver your gift. 2 Cor. The Bible that you hold in your hand is aphysical book with a spiritual message. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. The common factor in all the blessings in the Bible is this: God's Kingdom. (6) How can a clear understanding of divine blessings help us to better understand Gods eternal plan, especially as it relates to man? The plan of God is to bring about His own glory and the Christians good (or blessing). I will take away sickness from among you. 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. Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. 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. Verse Concepts. How is it related to cursing? 1 Chron 23:13. The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. What an amazing promise--a promise which will surely be fulfilled! The Israelites were greatly blessed in number while they sojourned in Egypt (Exodus 1:5-7). Yet our prayers betray us. These saints also had faith, but their faith resulted in perseverance rather than in success or prosperity. - 2 Corinthians 9:8 Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. In his lifetime, Abraham would not possess the land of Canaan. One only needs enough faith to be confident God hears and answers our prayers as we desire. Your blessings in eternity will not. 104 Harold G. Stigers, A Commentary on Genesis (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1976), p. 135. First the trial, then the blessing, the crown. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Christian life should be lived out in the light of the superiority of God's promised blessings in comparison to the "blessings" an ungodly world holds out to us (Hebrews 11:24-26). Phone: (262) 255-4750 Though Esau would not receive the physical blessings passed down from Abraham, Isaac did give him a smaller blessing of limited agricultural blessings . All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. C Moms come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing's for sureall moms need to connect with other moms! (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. Biblical blessings are often associated with protection and happiness. Now thats a different discussion, one initiated by a discerning listener to the podcast named Jordan. Some toyed with the thought of turning back into Judaism to escape persecution. Put simply, Gods blessing does not mean that we are free to indulge in every sensual pleasure, but neither does it mean that we must deny every earthly pleasure. Thats in the list: All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death. Death is yours. E You will be blessed when you come in and when you go out. 5:18). Temporal blessings are not to be measured so much in terms of material prosperity, physical health, or the absence of pain, as in the enjoyment of Gods presence. Our faith in God and in His promise will result in the obedience of faith (Genesis 17:9-14; Romans 4:9-24; Hebrews 11:13-31; James 2:14-26). It is the blessing to which Abraham and every other Old Testament saint looked forward. Your blessings in this life will be mixed with sorrow. The Whole Bible for the Whole Christian - CultureWatch And righteousness from the God of his salvation. 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). The Lord will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. Psalm 41:1-2 (NIV), Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands. By tracing the fulfillment of this promise through the Scriptures we will better understand Gods blessings. The trials and afflictions of the Israelites did not end with their exodus from Egypt. The story of the rich man and Lazarus underscore this principle (see Luke 16:19-31). (3) What is the relationship between blessing, faith, and obedience? Thou dost make us a byword among the nations, A laughingstock among the peoples. The apostle John heard a voice from heaven saying, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord (Revelation 14:13). 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. I call that the showcasing of the blessing of God on the people of God in the Old Testament. Almost daily, some bulk mailing assures me I am the lucky winner of one of several prizes. All I need do is contact them to identify my prize. But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling; My steps had almost slipped. Thus, the blessings of the Old Testament are partial and provisional. If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? So it is today. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Eve was cursed with pain in child-bearing and with the dominion of her husband over her. Suffering at the hand of a gracious God is a comfort, for our chastening evidences that we are Gods sons: For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart. (1) Gods blessing refers to His purpose, pronouncement, and process of bringing about a persons good. Labs Our blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that {the limb} which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed (Hebrews 12:3-13). Jesus simply did not fit the mold of Jewish expectations. As we come to the study of divine blessing in our series, we begin by considering Gods promised blessings in the Old Testament. May God give you of the dew of heaven and of the fatness of the earth and plenty of grain and wine. - 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. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord. We seek to obey God when we used to delight in disobedience. This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. 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.. 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. (6) The Jews concluded those who prospered were pious (spiritual, righteous), while those who suffered were sinners. While we are primarily blessed with all spiritual blessingsin the heavenlies (Eph. Galatians 3 You do not have to fear the future when God's hand is over your life. - THANKSGIVING FOR THEIR DIVINE ORDINATION TO THE BLESSINGS OF GRACE. And he said, Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake (Matthew 5:10). On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Abraham had a twenty-five year wait for the blessing of a son. He who overcomes shall inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. And it shall come to pass, if thou . Oh, God, help us to live with faith. Our prayers reveal an understanding of Gods blessings virtually identical with the mistaken view of the Jews in Jesus day. Most of us are not quite this honest in our thinking, nor quite so bold in our rebellion against God and His Word. Of late I have been having discussions with my friends around what it means to be blessed. Let's take a close look at blessing from the bible: who blesses who, how we receive blessings, how we give blessings, physical versus spiritual blessings, and finally how the flow of blessing can influence our prayers. 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. Trust in Him, and you will be blessed. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessing may be accomplished by what appears to be Gods cursing. Cite this page: Editor: Stephen Smith. Through suffering we are blessed in many ways: And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:3-5). Few understand the blessings of God as they should. And instead of telling the world to come to us Come see how I bless my people; God never says that he says, Go go to the world. Archaeologists Discover 2,000-year-old Gemstone With balm Of Gilead Engraved On It, The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it. Proverbs 10:22 (NIV), For those who are always generous and lend freely, their children will be blessed. Psalm 37:26 (NIV), If you return to the Almighty, you will be blessed again. Revelation 21 and 22. At the time of Sarahs death, the land of Canaan was possessed by the Canaanites (Genesis 12:6) and Abraham did not own any part of the promised land. I must do whatever it takes to be happy, even if that involves disobedience to Gods revealed Word.. God promised every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). His blessings were not the kind they wanted. Jordan puts his finger on the nub of the issue, I think, by referring to the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Faith and obedience are both necessary because each calls upon us to act, not on the basis of what we see, but on the basis of what He has said. (11) Ultimately, blessing or cursing are the result of ones response to Gods provision of forgiveness and righteousness in Jesus Christ, the promised seed of Abraham (see Genesis 12:1-3; 15:1-6; John 3:18; 14:6; 1 John 5:12). Peter, who once rejected the idea of suffering, later has much to say about suffering in his epistles. (2) Gods curse is the process of bringing about mans deserved retribution of divine judgment. And Im going to circle back and probably end there and affirm what he sees and show why it is such a great answer to his own question. All rights reserved. God is strong, and he wants you strong. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Gods blessings are not sovereignly bestowed in the way He chooses but are mechanically obtained by doing the right things. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:7-18).
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