God's Blessings

When most people talk about God’s blessings, it is almost always a big house, new car and a huge bank account. Most are seeking these things and there are plenty of so called ministers that will tell them they have a right to all these and more. Much of the time how well one lives or how much one possesses is the yardstick used to measure their spirituality. When, in truth, those things have nothing to do with how much one has grown in the spiritual realm.

Do you ever wonder why others seem to be blessed and you think you aren’t? Have you wondered why God does not seem to be blessing you like He does others? I have many times. I believe every Christian has, at some time in their Christian walk with God, been depressed and thought God had forgotten them when it comes to blessings.

Far too much of today’s preaching consists of gaining material things and being rich. I even heard one preacher say that God wants you to be rich. Well, this preacher has a great following because that is what most people want to hear. But, let me tell you, if you think the sole purpose in your life is for God to make you rich, you have missed God’s total message. You have missed the truth in God’s Word that will give you the close relationship that should exist between God and His children.

How many times we miss the blessings of God because we are carnal (worldly minded). In First Corinthians 3:3 Paul tells the people that he could not speak to them about spiritual things because they were carnal, like babies. If there is strife, envying and divisions among us, then we are carnal and not growing in spiritual understanding as God would have us do. As we read God’s Word and walk in it, we begin to grow in the things of God. We can begin to walk and live above our carnal nature. This is something we must do because Romans 8:6 says, ”..to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” To have everlasting life with Jesus in Heaven and peace on this earth are two blessings from God. With the turmoil the earth is in today, to have peace in your heart is to be blessed.

One must learn to allow God to be in complete control of ones life to realize the many benefits God really bestows on His children. How many have thought about the blessings from God such as, keeping us well or healing us when we do get sick, keeping us safe when we are driving, taking care of our daily needs, keeping our children safe, giving us peace in our heart when we live in a world gone mad.

For the past ten years or so, many times I have heard people say, “God bless America” when in truth God owes no nothing to those who have not accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord and do not walk in His ways. Proverbs 30:12 says, ”There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.” This Scripture describes many that call themselves “Christian” today, yet are so worldly and carnal one cannot tell them from the world. Some may be blessed under the umbrella of blessings God gives the earth such as good weather, rain, sunshine or even a prosperous economy, etc.

All blessings are contingent upon obedience without exception. James 1:12 says, ”Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” This is not temptation to sin, but tests and trial which prove our faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ and causes us to grow spiritually. Even the test and trials that the Lord brings our way are good things, in that they teach us God’s ways and help us overcome this world.

Luke 7:23 says, ”..blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.”

Luke 11:28 says, ”…blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.”

Romans 4:7-8 says, ”…Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.”

Of course, the greatest blessing of all is that Jesus Christ came and died in our place and paid the price for our sin. Therefore all those who have accepted Him will live for all eternity with Him in Heaven at the end of this life.