“…“How” blessed (gifted and favored) are the people whose God is the LORD!”
(Psalm 144:15 NASB).
*
Being blessed by God means he has
abundantly bestowed extra-ordinary gifts or special favors upon HIS PEOPLE.
Extra-ordinary gifts or special favors empower HIS PEOPLE with spiritual
BLESSINGS that impart inner joy and well-being as well.
GOD MAKES SURE ALL IS “WELL” WITH THE
SOULS OF HIS PEOPLE!!
Blessings are God’s undeserved favors bestowed upon HIS
PEOPLE and are expressions of his tender, loving care. His presence (glory), in
their lives, is witnessed in his unmerited kindnesses toward THEM. “…THY BLESSING (gifts and favors) is upon THY PEOPLE…”
(Psalms 3:8 KJV). “…the righteous CRY and
Lord the heareth and delivereth them out of ALL their troubles…” (Psalms
34:17 KJV). “…YOU MAKE HIM “MOST” BLESSED (gifted and favored) forever; …” (Psalms 21:6 NASB). “…You surround him WITH FAVOR
(BLESSINGS) as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).
“… [For, instance, when] Moses
said, “Now show me your
glory (presence).” …The Lord said, “I will cause all my
goodness (kindness, grace, gifts, favor,
etc.) to pass in front of you (to
become visible to you) …”
(Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).
I found, at least,
three ways in which God reveals his presence (glory) to HIS PEOPLE: 1. through
a visible manifestation of his
presence (glory); 2. by demonstrating the power
of his presence (glory); and 3. Jesus
Christ, the witness of his presence (glory).
The visual manifestation of God’s presence
(glory) is witnessed through symbols or vessels that represent HIM and HIS
PEOPLE can SEE it! “…The heavens
declare the glory of God…”
(Psalms 19:1 KJV). “And ye said, Behold, the Lord our God hath shewed us his
glory and
his greatness, and we have heard
his voice out of the midst of the fire: we
have seen this day that God doth talk with man,
and he liveth…”
(Dueteronomy 5:24 KJV).
“It
came even to pass, as … [they] praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for
his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord; So that the
priests could not stand to minister by
reason of the cloud: for
the glory (presence) of the Lord had filled the house of God”
(2 Chronicles 5:13-14 KJV).
“…..Said
I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest
see the glory
of God?” (John 11:40 KJV).
“….The
God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham…” (Acts
7:2 KJV).
“…Stephen,
full of the Holy Spirit, looked
up to heaven and saw the glory of God…”
(Acts 7:55 NIV).
“And
the temple was filled with smoke from
the glory of God (the presence of god), and from his power … ”(Revelation 15:8 KJV).
“…It shone with the glory of God (presence of
god), and its
brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal”
(Revelation 21:11 NIV).
“And
the city had no need of the sun,
neither of the moon, to shine in
it: for the glory of God (presence of
god) did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof…”
(Revelation 21:23 KJV).
“And
[For 40 years] [God’s presence (glory)] went before them by day in a pillar
of a cloud, to
lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light (His glory, presence); to go by day and
night…Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because
the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord (presence of the lord) filled the tabernacle. So the
cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire
was in the cloud by night, in the
sight
of all the
Israelites during all their travels…”
(Exodus 13:21 KJV; Exodus 40: 35-38 NIV).
“The
heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory” (Psalm 97:6 KJV).
In these Old Testament,
the pillar of cloud, the pillar of fire, and the smoke represented God’s presence (glory). These symbols or vessels of
God’s presence (glory) were visible to the Israelites. “…in the
sight
of all the Israelites…”
(Exodus 13:21 KJV; Exodus 40: 35-38 NIV).
God, the Holy Spirit, also spoke to them through
these symbols and vessels. “…Behold,
the Lord our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his
voice out of the midst of the fire: …”
(Deuteronomy 5:24-25 KJV).
Second, a demonstration of God’s power reveal his
presence (glory) and is witnessed through his supernatural interventions in the
different situations and circumstances of life and HIS PEOPLE can SEE it with
their “own” eyes! For instance, Lazarus in John chapter 11 is one example. “…Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to
you that if you believe, you
will see the glory of God?…”(John
11:40 NASB).
“…..This
sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God (to reveal his presence)…”
(John 11:4 KJV). “…Jesus
said…I am the resurrection and I am the life…..”
(John 11:25 KJV). “And he
(lazarus) that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes:
and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them (Mary,
Martha, and those witnessing the miracle), Loose him, and let him go...”
(John 11:43-44 KJV).
The third and final
revelation of God’s presence (glory) is witnessed through Jesus Christ. This revelation of God’s presence (glory), that
all true believers have also witnessed or experienced, “IS” Jesus Christ. “For God,
who commanded the light to shine out of
darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God (of his presence) in the face of Jesus Christ (through the visual
manifestation of jesus christ)...” (2 Corinthians 4:6
KJV). “… His (Jesus) name is called The Word of God…”
(Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… I am (jesus, the word of god) the light of the
world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV). “... the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light... (Ephesians
5:19 NLT).
”
“…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John
6:63 KJV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Word was
God …
(John 1:1-4 NASB). “… I am the light of the
world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV). “...
He (THE WORD) is a light to reveal God to the nations...” (Luke 2:32 NLT). “.. A Light of revelation...” (LUKE 2:32 NASB). “…The Light which … enlightens every man…” (John 1:19 NASB).
“And
that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, (the
word) to the glory of God (by REVEALING THE PRESENCE OF GOD,) the Father”
(Philippians 2:11 KJV).
“The Son is the radiance of God’s (PRESENCE) glory and the exact (IMAGE, LIKENESS) representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).
“If
anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all
things God may be praised (GLORIFIED, REPRESENTED AS BEING PRESENCE
THROUGH SYMBOLS AND VESSELS) through Jesus Christ. To him (GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT) be the (PRESENCE) glory and the power for ever and ever.
Amen”
(1 Peter 4:11 NIV).
“And
the city had no need of the sun,
neither of the moon, to shine in
it: for the glory of God (PRESENCE) did
lighten it, and the Lamb (Jesus) is
the light thereof…” (Revelation 21:23 KJV). “… I am (jesus, the word of god) the light of the
world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV). “... the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake,
O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light... (Ephesians
5:19 NLT
“… I am the light of the world..." (John
9:5, 8:12 KJV). “... He (THE WORD) is a light to reveal God to the nations...” (Luke 2:32 NLT). “.. A Light of revelation...” (LUKE 2:32 NASB). “…The Light which … enlightens every man…” (John 1:19 NASB).
“…Blessed be the LORD (THE WORD) God (THE HOLY
SPIRIT)…” (Psalm 72:18 KJV).
When King Jehoshaphat CRIED out to the Lord for favor
(blessing), what happened? “…After this,
the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on
Jehoshaphat. Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is
marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at
Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.). Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and
begged (besought) the Lord for
guidance.” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
Jehoshaphat called on the “BLESSOR” for help. “... He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone
are the God who is in heaven. …We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.’
…O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that
is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you
for help.” …” (2
Chronicles 20: 1-30 NLT).
Jehoshaphat had his own human army, but he NEVER lost sight
of where his true blessings flowed. “…As
all the men of Judah stood before the Lord
with their little ones, wives, and children, the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was
Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of
Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph…” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
God responded to Jehoshaphat by sending him a divine message
through a human vessel named Jahaziel.“…He said,
“Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid!
Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
…you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and
watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you …Do
not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” (2
Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
Jahaziel’s inspired WORD from God was a visual manifestation of God’s presence through a human vessel. King
Jehoshaphat was blessed with God’s peace
that passes all understanding, the heavenly father’s comfort, and confidence in
God’s promised victory.“…Early the next
morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and
said, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in (depend
upon) the Lord your God, and you
will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets (his words given through
human vessels), and you will succeed.” After consulting the people, the king
appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy
splendor. This is what they sang: “Give
thanks to the Lord; his faithful
love endures forever!” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
King Jehoshaphat received
God’s WORD, through the human vessel, in regard to his special favor that would
be upon him and his army. He was joyful and went out to war, with his army,
singing and praising God, his source of BLESSINGS. What happened? “…At the very moment they began to sing and give praise,
the Lord
caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. The
armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed
every one of them.
After
they had destroyed the army of Seir, they
began attacking each other. So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the
wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they
could see. Not a single one
of the enemy had escaped.
….On
the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing
which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked
the Lord there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today. …the Lord had given them victory over
their enemies.
When Moses and the Israelites BESOUGHT God’s favor, what
happened? “…When Pharoah drew nigh, the
children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched
after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel CRIED out unto the Lord…”
(Exodus 14:10 KJV).
Moses called upon the BLESSOR? “…They said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the
wilderness? …What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn’t
we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us
alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt
than a corpse in the wilderness!’” But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid.
Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you
see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself
will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying
out to me? Tell the people to get moving! Pick up your staff and raise your
hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the
middle of the sea on dry ground. And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians,
and they will charge in after the Israelites. My great glory will be displayed
through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers. When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the Lord!” Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of
Israel, moved to the rear of the camp. The pillar of cloud also moved from the
front and stood behind them. The cloud settled between the Egyptian and
Israelite camps. As darkness fell, the cloud turned to fire, lighting up the
night. But the Egyptians and Israelites did not approach each other all night.
Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water
with a strong east wind. The
wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. So
the people of
Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water
on each side! Then the Egyptians—all of Pharaoh’s horses, chariots,
and charioteers—chased them into the middle of the sea. But just before dawn
the Lord looked down on the
Egyptian army from the pillar of fire and cloud, and he threw their forces into
total confusion. He twisted their chariot wheels, making their chariots
difficult to drive. “Let’s get out of here—away from these Israelites!” the
Egyptians shouted. “The Lord is
fighting for them against Egypt!” When all the Israelites had reached the other
side, the Lord said to Moses,
“Raise your hand over the sea again. Then the waters will rush back and cover
the Egyptians and their chariots and charioteers.” So as the sun began to rise,
Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the water rushed back into its usual
place. The
Egyptians tried to escape, but the Lord
swept them into the sea. Then the waters returned and covered all
the chariots and charioteers—the entire army of Pharaoh. Of all the Egyptians who had
chased the Israelites into the sea, not a single one survived. But
the people of Israel had walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, as
the water stood up like a wall on both sides. That is how the Lord rescued Israel from the hand of the
Egyptians that day. And the Israelites saw the bodies of the Egyptians washed
up on the seashore. When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the Lord had unleashed against the
Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith
in the Lord and in his servant
Moses….”
(Exodus 14:11-31 NLT).
The Hebrew Boys were thrown into a fury furnace because they
refused to worship any other god, except their OWN. “… [King] …Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was
changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and
commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was
wont to be heated. And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to
bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery
furnace. Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats,
and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery
furnace. Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and
the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And these three men, Shadrach,
Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery
furnace…” (DANIEL 3).
However, the Hebrew Boys put their trust in GOD. What
happened? “Nebuchadnezzar the king was
astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, DID NOT WE CAST
THREE MEN BOUND INTO THE MIDST OF THE FIRE? They answered and said
unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, LO, I SEE FOUR MEN LOOSE, WALKING IN THE MIDST
OF THE FIRE, AND THEY HAVE NO HURT; AND THE FORM OF THE FOURTH IS LIKE THE SON
OF GOD...” (DANIEL 3). “…God
has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…”
(Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…Behold,
I am with… [you] and will keep… [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave
[you]…." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).
“...
Then Nebuchadnezzar came [again]… near to the mouth of the burning fiery
furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the
most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach,
and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. And the
princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered
together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire
had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were
their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.
Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and
delivered his servants that trusted in him, and
have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not
serve nor worship any god, except their own God. Therefore I make a decree, That every people,
nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach,
Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses
shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort… Then the king PROMOTED Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abednego, in the province of Babylon…”
(DANIEL 3).
What blessings were bestowed upon Joseph? “…The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and
he was in the house of his master
the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord
was with him and that the Lord made
all he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found
favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his
authority. So it
was, from the time that he had
made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for
Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field. Thus he left all
that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he did not know what he had except for the
bread which he ate…” (Genesis 39:2-6 NLT).
When Joseph went to prison God’s special gifts and favors
followed him. “…But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him
mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all
the prisoners who were in the
prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did,
the Lord made it prosper…”
(Genesis 39:21-23 NLT).
What special favor was bestowed on Mary and Martha? “…Jesus said to… [them], "Did I not say
to you that if you believe, you will see the
glory of God?…”(John
11:40 NASB). “…Jesus said…I am the resurrection and I am the life…..”
(John 11:25 KJV). “And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was
bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go...” (John 11:43-44 KJV).
What special gifts and favors were bestowed upon the life of
Jesus? “…The Spirit of the
Lord [was].. upon [Jesus], because he hath anointed [him]… to
preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent [him]… to heal the brokenhearted,
to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to
set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
“…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all
that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts
10:38-39 KJV).
What special gifts and favor were bestowed on other people
who trusted in the BLESSINGS of God? “…HOW MUCH MORE DO I NEED TO SAY? It would take too long to recount THE STORIES OF [the blessings of]…FAITH
of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. [Through the
blessings of]… FAITH these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and
received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched
the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness
was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to
flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death….”
(Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).
What
special favors and blessings are bestowed upon your life? “…God
…[THE]…Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, …HATH BLESSED [YOU]…
with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ…”
(Ephesians 1:3 KJV).
Has God changed his ways of BLESSING his people? “…I
am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “Jesus Christ is the same
yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13 :8 NIV).
So are you BLESSED with special
gifts and favors like those in the Old Testament? “…Verily, verily, I say
unto you, He that believeth on me, the
works that I do shall he do also; and GREATER WORKS than these shall he do…” (John
14:1 KJV).
What is at least ONE way God has bestowed special gifts and
favors upon YOU? “…That great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his
will, and may he work “IN US”
what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen…”
(Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).
The GREATEST BLESSING bestowed upon you is “IN” you. That
BLESSING is Jesus Christ. “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…if
Christ be in you… (Romans 8:10 KJV). “But
if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you…” (Romans 8:11 KJV). “…Christ liveth in me…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “….the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1
Corinthians 6:19 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall
be my people” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).
What else comes with the BLESSING of the indwelling HOLY
SPIRIT, which is Jesus Christ? “…My God
will supply all [your need]… according to His riches in
glory (riches in his presence) in Christ Jesus (in his
word)…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).
“…the riches of the glory (the presence)….. which is Christ (the word) in you…” (Colossians 1:25-28 KJV).
If Christ is “IN” you, what should YOU know about the
PROMISES of God’s WORD? “…As many as are the
promises of God, in Him (in Jesus,
the word) they are yes …also … Amen (so be it) …” (2 Corinthians 1:20
NASB). “And this is the confidence that we have in him
(Jesus, the word), that, if we ask any thing according
to his will (his desire, his Word, etc), he heareth us…” (1 John 5:14 KJV). “…You can ask for anything in my name (in
my word), and I will do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).
“…Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made … failed; all came to pass…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB). “…He has granted to [you]… His precious and magnificent promises…” (2 Peter 1:4 NASB). “… For all things are your's [in
Christ; in the word]…” (1 Corinthians 3 KJV). “… [God,
through Christ]… freely give us all things…”
(Romans 8:32 KJV).
How were these biblical figures good enough, or deserving
enough, or worthy enough to receive these BLESSINGS from God? They weren’t good enough, worthy, or
deserving. These blessings were bestowed upon them by GRACE. “…BY
GRACE (undeserved favor) … through… FAITH
(dependence upon God’s Word)…”
(Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).
Why do you need the BLESSING of God’s GRACE to RECEIVE his
special FAVORS? Because, without it, we would NEVER be good enough, worthy, or
deserving of God’s BLESSINGS or his UNMERITED favors. “…God saved us … not because we DESERVED it, but—…to show us his GRACE
through Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT).
UNMERITED favor means ABSOLUTELY nothing can be done to
DESERVE it, but it is FREELY GIVEN to you. God’s GRACE is an expression of
God’s KIND, loving nature witnessed through his many BLESSINGS. “…God is love…” (1
John 4:4-8 KJV). “…… [God’s]…love is kind…” (1
Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “…the fruit of
the Spirit is… gentleness
(kindness)…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).
For most people are trained and learn that earning, deserving,
and being worthy of something is the way to get life to BLESS you or FAVOR you.
NOTHING is FREE. If you don’t gain, maintain, and sustain these BLESSINGS and
FAVORS, you earn in life, you can’t expect to receive anything from people or
life in general
If you can barely earn, or deserve, or be worthy of anything
from people or life in general, certainly, you can’t expect anything from God,
right?
WRONG. God’s GRACE is FREE and God is RICH in GRACE. “…He is
“SO” RICH in kindness and GRACE …” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT). “….The exceeding RICHES of his GRACE in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus…” (Ephesians 2:7 KJV). WOOHOO!!!
You can’t make it right (earn, deserve, be worthy,
etc.) with God without his GRACE. “…For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law (or self-effort), you
have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE (unmerited favor)…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT). “…God
is able to make all GRACE (unmerited
favor) abound toward you;
that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things…” (2 Corinthians 8:9
KJV). “…My GRACE
(unmerited favor) is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in
weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV).
Don’t be let timidity, or shyness, or shame, or guilt, or
unworthiness stop you, but come boldly to his throne of GRACE (unmerited favor).
“..Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE (unmerited favor), that we may obtain mercy (unmerited pardon),
and find GRACE (unmerited favor)to help in time of
need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “…where sin
abounded, GRACE (unmerited favor)
did much more abound…” (Romans 5:20 KJV).
There is an abundance of GRACE (unmerited favor) in Jesus
Christ. “…much more the GRACE
of God (the unmerited favor of God), and the gift by GRACE (the gift (blessing) of unmerited favor), which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath
ABOUNDED unto many…” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “…They which receive
abundance of GRACE (unmerited favor)
… shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ…” (Romans 5:17 KJV).
Whenever you beseech him, God’s response is ALWAY one of
GRACE (unmerited favor). “..Let us therefore
come boldly unto the throne of GRACE
(unmerited favor),
that we may obtain mercy (unmerited pardon), and find GRACE (unmerited
favor) to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “..The grace (unmerited favor) GIVEN unto me…” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “…according
to the grace
(unmerited favor) that is GIVEN to us…”
(Romans 12:6 KJV). “…Because of the grace (unmerited favor) that is GIVEN to me of God…”
(Romans 15:15 KJV). “…According to the grace of God (the unmerited FAVOR of God) which is GIVEN unto me…” (1
Corinthians 3:10 KJV). “…I thank my God
always on your behalf, for the grace of God (the unmerited FAVOR of God) which is GIVEN you by Jesus Christ...” (1 Corinthians 1:4 KJV). “…Every one of us is GIVEN GRACE (given unmerited favor) according to the measure of the gift of
Christ…”
(Ephesians 4:7 KJV). This is where I SHOUT! “…FREELY
YE HAVE RECEIVED...” (Matthew 10:8 KJV).
“…Grow in the GRACE (grow in
the unmerited favor) and knowledge (revelation) of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ (the WORD)…” (2
Timothy 3:18 NIV).
BECAUSE of God’s GRACE (unmerited favor) I am what I am. I
am BLESSED with gifts and special favors I have not earned, I am not worthy of,
and I don’t deserve. “…By the grace of God (by the unmerited favor
of god) I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 KJV). Therefore, “…GRACE (unmerited favor) unto you, and [may it continue to]… be multiplied…” (1
Peter 1:2 KJV).
“…God
[the]…Father of our Lord Jesus Christ …HATH blessed us with ALL
spiritual blessings (gifts and favors)…” (Ephesians 1:3 KJV). “…GRACE (unmerited favor) be unto you, and peace, FROM God our
Father, and FROM the Lord Jesus
Christ…”
(1 Corinthians 1:3 KJV). “…FREELY YE HAVE
RECEIVED...” (Matthew 10:8 KJV).
Why do you need FAITH to RECEIVE God’s special GIFTS and
FAVORS? Faith empowers the believer to expect God’s many BLESSINGS (gifts and
favors) upon their lives revealed in HIS WORD. SO, “…Trust in the Lord (have faith or depend upon the lord)
with all thine heart; and lean not unto
thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall
direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV)
How does faith empower expectation? “…Faith cometh by HEARING… the word of God…”
(Roman 10:17 KJV). HEARING God’s Word EMPOWERS the fruit of faith within the
believer through the indwelling Holy
Spirit. “… According to the POWER that works WITHIN us…”
(Ephesians 3:20 NASB).
However, without God’s WORD, the fruit of faith is not activated. "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives …(FAITH)....” (Galatians 5 NLT) “…The
Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE (by producing the fruit of faith)…”
(John 3:6 NLT).
“…Faith cometh by
HEARING… the word of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV).
Hearing God’s Word, activates the indwelling Holy Spirit to produce the
fruit of faith which empowers you to trust in and expect his BLESSINGS. “…Trust in the Lord
with ALL thine heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).
Hearing God’s Word can prevent you from leaning on your own
understanding. “… LEAN NOT unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).
When you are empowered by the fruit of faith it builds your trust in or dependency upon the
truth of God’s Word. “…THY WORD IS TRUTH…” (JOHN 17:17
KJV).
God’s Word becomes trustworthy in empowering the fruit of faith. “… The decrees of the Lord
are TRUSTWORTHY, making wise the simple…” (PSALM 19:7 NLT). “…All
your commands are TRUSTWORTHY…” (PSALM 119:86 NLT). “…your laws are perfect and completely TRUSTWORTHY….
“ (PSALMS 119:138 NLT).
God says he is “…WATCHING OVER [his]…
WORD TO PERFORM IT …” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…So shall my word be that goeth forth out of
my mouth: IT
SHALL NOT RETURN UNTO ME VOID, but it shall
accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing
whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). “…Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of
Israel failed;
ALL CAME TO PASS…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB).
Empowering the fruit
of FAITH, by the Word of God, will strengthen expectations from God’s
promises (HOPE) and build trust in HIM. Strengthening expectations from God’s
promises (HOPE) and dependency upon HIS WORD will manifests God’s BLESSINGS and
his people will NEVER be disappointed. “…and
HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT…
(ROMANS 5:5 NASB). “…For the Scripture
says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM
WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED…"
(ROMANS 10:11 NASB). “… HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL
NOT BE DISAPPOINTED… (ROMANS 9:33 NASB). “…In You they trusted and WERE NOT
DISAPPOINTED…. (PSALMS 22:5 NASB).
“…Not one of the good promises which
the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; ALL CAME TO PASS…” (Joshua 21:45
NASB). “…Trust
in the Lord with all thine heart…”
(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).
Empowering the fruit of FAITH, by hearing the Word of God,
guarantees the expectations of GOD’s BLESSINGS. “…The LORD “WILL”
accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John
14:31 NASB). “...Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…BY THE WORD of the Lord … [GOD’S PEOPLE”S FAITH IS EMPOWERED] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).
The fruit of faith
was given to you to STRENGTHEN your dependency upon God’s Word and your
expectation in his limitless BLESSINGS! God “…dealt to every man the measure
of faith (a gift; blessing)...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “…Faith (this gift or blessing) cometh (grows, develops,
empowers) by HEARING… the Word of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV). “….IT IS THE “GIFT” (the BLESSING) OF GOD…” (Ephesians
2:8-9 ASV). “…Now FAITH (a gift
or blessing) IS the substance
(guarantee) of things hoped for (expected from God), the (indwelling) evidence of things not seen (the fruit of faith
produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit and empowered by the Word of God)…”
(Hebrews 11:1 KJV). So “…WALK BY FAITH (this gift or
blessing)...” (2 Corinthians
5:7 KJV).
“…“How” blessed (gifted and favored) are the people
whose God is the LORD!” (Psalm 144:15 NASB).
“…HOW MUCH MORE DO I NEED TO
SAY? It
would take too long to recount THE
STORIES OF [God’s people who were blessed with the gift of]…FAITH ….”
(Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT).
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