HOW YOU BECOME A BLESSING

HOW YOU BECOME A BLESSING

 

 “…I will save you that you may BECOME A BLESSING....” (Zechariah 8:13 KJV).

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To be blessed, by God, means to be “IN” a covenant position with HIM, through salvation, where you are endowed and gifted with his unlimited FAVOR. “…He that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT [with him; God, the Holy Spirit]…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…I will be their God, and they shall be my people...” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

“…BLESSED be the God (The Source) and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HATH blessed ...[HIS PEOPLE] ...with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ…” (Ephesians 1:3 KJV).

God “IS” the BLESSING! God is the SOURCE and ORIGINATOR of BLESSINGS and therefore, YOUR BLESSOR!

God BLESSES his people with LOVE. . “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). He has “….loved [you]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…There is no greater LOVE …” (John 15:13 NLT).

God BLESSES his people with GRACE. “…My GRACE is sufficient for you….” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).  “…Where sin abounded, GRACE did much more abound…” (Romans 5:20 KJV).  “…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).

God BLESSES his people through a HOLY, unchanging nature! “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “There is none HOLY as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). He is “…majestic in HOLINESS…” (Exodus 15:11 KJV). “… His … [Holiness] … is above earth and heaven…” (Psalms 148:13 NASB). “…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).

God BLESSES his people with his POWERFUL Word. “… [God 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).

God BLESSES his people with himself, the Holy Spirit, because there is NONE other like HIM in ALL the heavens or the earth. “…there is none like unto thee (God, the Holy Spirit)…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM ’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am  the Lord, the God of all flesh…” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God…" (Revelation 1:8 NASB). “… I, the LORD … the first, and with the last. I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB).  “...The lord is GOOD…there is none good but one, that is, God” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…  I, the Lord, am your healer…” (Exodus 15:26). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  And, “There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “… [God] … will keep in perfect peace all who trust in … [him] … all whose thoughts are fixed on … [him!]” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT). “….The Lord is “my” shepherd ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOUR stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “…Thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour …” (Isaiah 60:16 KJV). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

“…[god is] ... the Lord, [god changes] ... NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  ^“...[god] ... is the same yesterday and today and forever...” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

God’s unlimited FAVOR bestows and declares undeserved blessings upon his people. These blessings come in the form of gifts, undeserved kindnesses from God, the Holy Spirit and are intended to increase the overall well-being of HIS PEOPLE. “…Since [salvation]… is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved…” (Romans 11:5 NLT). “…For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we DESERVED it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his GRACE through Christ Jesus…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT). “…A few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God’s GRACE—his UNDESERVED kindness in choosing them…” (Romans 11:4 NLT).

Those undeserved gifts include the gift of salvation, the gift of joy, the gift of prosperity, the gift of peace, the gift of provision, the gift of a joyful, future life, the gift of purpose, the gift of holiness and righteousness, the gift of answered prayers, the gift of holy love, the gift of worship, praise, and glory to God.  “…The GIFT by grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). ”… ye [are]…saved through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “…The JOY of your salvation…” (Psalms 51:12 NIV). “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).  “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “… People should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God…” (Ecclesiastes 3:13 NLT). “…God has given us different GIFTS for doing certain things well…” (Romans 12:6 NLT). “…every man hath his proper GIFT of God...” (2 Corinthians 7:7 KJV). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT(S)…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV). “…his divine power hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

“…BLESSED be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HATH blessed us with all spiritual blessings … in heavenly places in Christ…” (Ephesians 1:3 KJV).

“... Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV). “…The HOLY SPIRIT …gives all these gifts and POWERS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

God also makes HIS PEOPLE a blessing (a GIFT) by WORKING “IN” and “THROUGH” them! God’s TRUE people (disciples) are BLESSED with fruitful character traits. These inward character traits, produced and displayed by the indwelling Holy Spirit, give God’s people a sense of joy and well-being. “…The … HOLY SPIRIT …does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are HIS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s]... lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT) “… “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in [his people]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…The Lord (the Word) is that Spirit (too)…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN [HIS PEOPLE]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…[His people] CAN DO all things (produce fruit, display God’s power, and blessings) THROUGH Christ which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “….Apart from [God, the indwelling Holy Spirit]… [his people could not]..do nothing [be blessed]…” (John 15:5 NIV).

“…These THINGS have I SPOKEN unto you that my JOY might REMAIN in you, and that your JOY might be full…” (John 15:11 NIV). “…I have told you this so that my JOY may be in you and that your JOY may be complete…” (John 15:11 NIV).

These inward character traits, produced and displayed by the indwelling Holy Spirit, also promises present and future rewards.  “... Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.  Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you...” (Matthew 5:3-12 KJV).

“...You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought. “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat. “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for. “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family. “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom. “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble...” (Matthew 5:3-12 MSG).

When God’s people DISPLAY the fruit of the SPIRIT through their behavior and attitudes it WITNESSES to others they are TRUE, BLESSED, AUTHENTIC people of God. “…Ye shall know [those with the indwelling Holy Spirit]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “... The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…He who ABIDES in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit … ” (John 15:1-11 NASB).  “…Then THE WAY YOU LIVE will … will produce every kind of good fruit…” (Colossians 1:9-10 NLT). "…My Father is glorified by this, that “YOU” bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).  “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

However, like in the Old Testament, when God’s people BROKE the covenant relationship with God, the BLESSINGS ceased and his people became like a CURSE instead.

God’s people repeatedly abandoned him. “…But my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned away and ABANDONED me….” (JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT). “…They ABANDONED ME and did not obey my word….” (JEREMIAH 16:11 NLT).

 “….They ABANDONED the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They went after other gods (IDOLS)…” (Judges 2:12 NLT).

“…They ABANDONED the Lord to serve Baal …” (Judges 2:13 NLT). “….They ABANDONED the Lord and no longer served him at all…” (Judges 10:6 NLT).

“…Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually ABANDONED ME and followed other gods…” (1 Samuel 8:8 NLT). “…For my people have ABANDONED ME and offered sacrifices to pagan gods …” (2 Kings 22:17 NLT “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).

“…The Lord replies, “This has happened because my people have ABANDONED MY INSTRUCTIONS; they have refused to obey what I said….” (JEREMIAH 9:13 NLT).

Because of their abandonment of the covenant relationship, the tribes of Israel were left on their own to experience being an accursed people among the other nations. “…I will make them an object of horror and a symbol of evil to every nation on earth. They will be disgraced and mocked, taunted and cursed, wherever I scatter them…” (Jeremiah 24:9 NLT).

The historical captivities of the Israelites were a sign that the blessings of God was NOT with them anymore. “….If they sin against you—you might become angry with them and “let” their enemies conquer them and take them captive to their land far away or near…” (1 Kings 8:46 NLT). “…They defiled themselves by their evil deeds, and their love of idols was adultery in the Lord’s sight. That is why the Lord’s anger burned against his people, and he abhorred his own special possession. He handed them over to pagan nations, and they were ruled by those who hated them. Their enemies crushed them and brought them under their cruel power. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their sin…” (Psalm 106:39-43 NLT).

God reversed the CURSE, several times, because of his GREAT MERCIFUL LOVE and GRACE toward his people. “…Their enemies crushed them and brought them under their cruel power. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their sin. Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love. He even caused their captors to treat them with kindness. Save us, O Lord our God! Gather us back from among the nations, so we can thank your holy name and rejoice and praise you. Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting! Let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the Lord!” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT). “…He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

“…Ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: …” (Zechariah 8:13 KJV).

“…Great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD” (Psalms 117:2 KJV). “…[GOD] remembered his covenant with them (THROUGH ABRAHAM) …” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT). To Abraham he said: “…I will BLESS thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a BLESSING: And I will BLESS them that BLESS thee …in thee shall all families of the earth be BLESSED…” (Genesis 12:2-3 KJV).

God KEEPS his word through thousands and thousands of generations. “…Showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments…” (Exodus 20:6 NIV).

God also watches over his word, very carefully, to make sure he keeps it and that it performs exactly what he commands. God says, I “…am WATCHING over my 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).).

 God was determined to keep his covenant with Abraham and because he did, new converts can NOW enjoy the blessings of Abraham. “…Christ hath REDEEMED us from the curse of the law …That the “BLESSING of Abraham” might come on [“US”]… through Jesus Christ …” (Galatians 3:13-14 KJV).

God’s love survived the many abandonments of his people, their rebellion, idolatry, dishonor, disrespect, rejection, and blatant unfaithfulness, as witnessed, in biblical history. Yet, he has “….loved [them]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…not that we loved God, but that he loved us ...” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

God’s merciful LOVE endures the many rejections of his people. “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt. But the more I called to him, the farther he moved from me, offering sacrifices to the images of Baal and burning incense to idols. I myself taught Israel how to walk, leading him along by the hand. But he doesn’t know or even care that it was I who took care of him. I led Israel along with my ropes of kindness and love. I lifted the yoke from his neck, and I myself stooped to feed him. “But since my people refuse to return to me, they will return to Egypt and... They will destroy them, trapping them in their own evil plans. For my people are determined to desert me. They call me the Most High, but they don’t truly honor me. “Oh, how can I give you up, Israel? How can I let you go? How can I destroy you …My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows. No, I will not unleash my fierce anger. I will not completely destroy Israel, for I am God and not a mere mortal. I am the Holy One living among you, and I will not come to destroy. For someday the people will follow me. I, the Lord, will roar like a lion. And when I roar, my people will return …And I will bring them home again,” says the Lord….” (HOSEA 11 NLT).

“And now, O our God, what can we say after all of this? For ONCE AGAIN we have ABANDONED your commands!” (Ezra 9:10 NLT).

“….They refused to obey and did not remember the miracles you had done for them. Instead, they became stubborn and appointed a leader to take them back to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. You did not abandon them…” (Nehemiah 9:17 NLT).

However, “…once again we have ABANDONED your commands!” (Ezra 9:10 NLT). “…And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbour, Wherefore hath the Lord done thus unto this great city? Then they shall answer, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them…” (Jeremiah 22:8-9 KJV).

“…[Yet]… in your great mercy, you did not destroy them completely or abandon them forever. What a gracious and merciful God you are!” (Nehemiah 9:31 NLT).

“…The Lord says, “Then I will heal you of your faithlessness; my (MERCIFUL) love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever….” (HOSEA 14:4 NLT).  ^“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

“God’s “…love is patient, [God’s]…love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [God’s]…love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, [God’s]…love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

“…It is of the Lord's MERCIES that we are not CONSUMED, because his compassions FAIL NOT. They are NEW EVERY MORNING: great is thy faithfulness…” (Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV

Over ALL the years, straight through ALL of biblical history, and in spite of HIS people’s unfaithfulness, God’s MERCIFUL LOVE and GRACE is still as POWERFUL as EVER. “…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). “…It is of the Lord's MERCIES that we are not CONSUMED…” (Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV

His MERCIFUL LOVE and GRACE reaches OUT across TIME with MORE than enough for YOU and I. God is“... RICH IN MERCY…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). “…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

“..O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is GOOD; for his mercy endureth for ever” (1 Chronicles…” 16:34 KJV). “It came …to pass, as … [they] praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever…” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14 KJV). “…The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy…” (Psalms 103:8 KJV). “…For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him…” (Psalms 103:11 KJV). “…But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children…” (Psalms 103:17 KJV).

“…He is [also]…“SO” RICH in kindness and GRACE that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins…” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT). “….The exceeding RICHES of his GRACE in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus…” (Ephesians 2:7 KJV). “…where sin abounded, GRACE did much more abound…” (Romans 5:20 KJV). 

God’s MERCIFUL LOVE and GRACE bulldozed right through mankind’s MANY offenses and sins and STILL sent his only SON. “…God showed his great LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:6-8 NLT). God “…spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).

God allowed Jesus to suffer just to GET his merciful LOVE to you “THROUGH” Christ; even after all the historical, recorded biblical offenses of his people’s sins. “…Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

Jesus Christ willingly became the LIVING example of God’s MERCIFUL LOVE and AMAZING GRACE? “…while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:6-8 NLT). “…Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands….Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away…” (John 19:1-16 KJV),

“…And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him…” (John 19: 17-18 KJV).

“..After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. ….When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost…” (John 19:28-30 KJV).

“…Because of the JOY awaiting him, [Jesus]… endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT).

God knew “…when he (Jesus) sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant (Jesus) will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).

“…Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

“…he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV).

“…BY GRACE have ye been SAVED THROUGH FAITH…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…RECEIVE  with meekness the engrafted WORD, which is “ABLE” to SAVE your souls…” (James 1:21 KJV).

“…I will save you that you may BECOME A BLESSING....” (Zechariah 8:13 KJV).

“…you were called so that you may inherit a blessing…” (1 Peter 3:9 NIV).

“…you will be a blessing…” (Genesis 12:2 NIV).

God called Joseph to be A BLESSING and he REVEALED it to him in a dream. “…Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more. So he said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.” And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words. Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, “Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.” So he told it to his father and his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall your mother and I and your brothers indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?” And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind…” (Genesis 37: 5-11 NLT).

Joseph’s dream of being A BLESSING did NOT become obvious right away, but in the PROCESS of time EVERYONE would witness it. “…And in PROCESS of time IT CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).

In the meantime, Joseph experienced jealousy, from his OWN brothers, because he had been declared A BLESSING. The devil tried to use his brothers to STOP the BLESSING. “…And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again. And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it. And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt…” (GENESIS 37).

No one can STOP you from being A BLESSING when God COMMANDS it. “…you will be a blessing…” (Genesis 12:2 NIV).

Joseph, therefore, had to live in a foreign country as a servant, away from his family, for years and years. “….Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there. …” (Genesis 39:1-6 NLT).

Even though he went through many difficulties and ended up in prison; Joseph was “STILL” A BLESSING. “…Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.”  But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her. But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside, that she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside. And so it was, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and fled outside, that she called to the men of her house and spoke to them, saying, “See, he has brought in to us a Hebrew to mock us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice. And it happened, when he heard that I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left his garment with me, and fled and went outside.” So she kept his garment with her until his master came home. Then she spoke to him with words like these, saying, “The Hebrew servant whom you brought to us came in to me to mock me; so it happened, as I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left his garment with me and fled outside.” So it was, when his master heard the words which his wife spoke to him, saying, “Your servant did to me after this manner,” that his anger was aroused. Then Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison…” (Genesis 39:6-21 NLT).

God was with Joseph when he became a servant in Potiphar’s house and he was “still” A BLESSING. “…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 he went to prison God was with him and Joseph was “still” A BLESSING.  “…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).

Joseph was, also, an interpreter of dreams. When he was 30 years old he was called to interpret one of Pharaoh’s dreams. “…Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. And he had him ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he set him over all the land of Egypt. Pharaoh also said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.”. …Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.  Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt…” (Genesis 41:37-46 NLT).

Joseph’s dream, as a ruler, was fulfilled before the eyes of his brothers and ALL the land. The original BLESSING came to pass. “…Now Joseph was governor over the land; and it was he who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the earth. Joseph saw his brothers and recognized them, but he acted as a stranger to them and spoke roughly to them. Then he said to them, “Where do you come from?” And they said, “From the land of Canaan to buy food.”  So Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. Then Joseph remembered the dreams which he had dreamed about them, and said to them, “You are spies! You have come to see the nakedness of the land!” And they said to him, “No, my lord, but your servants have come to buy food. We are all one man’s sons; we are honest men; your servants are not spies.” But he said to them, “No, but you have come to see the nakedness of the land.” And they said, “Your servants are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and in fact, the youngest is with our father today, and one is no more.” But Joseph said to them, “It is as I spoke to you, saying, ‘You are spies!’ In this manner you shall be tested: By the life of Pharaoh, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here. Send one of you, and let him bring your brother; and you shall be kept in prison, that your words may be tested to see whether there is any truth in you; or else, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies!” So he put them all together in prison three days. Then Joseph said to them the third day, “Do this and live, for I fear God: If you are honest men, let one of your brothers be confined to your prison house; but you, go and carry grain for the famine of your houses.  And bring your youngest brother to me; so your words will be verified, and you shall not die.” And they did so. Then they said to one another, “We are truly guilty concerning our brother, for we saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded with us, and we would not hear; therefore this distress has come upon us.” And Reuben answered them, saying, “Did I not speak to you, saying, ‘Do not sin against the boy’; and you would not listen? Therefore behold, his blood is now required of us.” But they did not know that Joseph understood them, for he spoke to them through an interpreter. And he turned himself away from them and wept. Then he returned to them again, and talked with them. And he took Simeon from them and bound him before their eyes…. Then he lifted his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your younger brother of whom you spoke to me?” And he said, “God be gracious to you, my son.”  Now his heart yearned for his brother; so Joseph made haste and sought somewhere to weep. And he went into his chamber and wept there. Then he washed his face and came out; and he restrained himself, and said, “Serve the bread.” …Then Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Make everyone go out from me!” So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it…Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence. And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here…”  (Genesis 43:13-24, 29-31, 44:3-5).

Was Joseph A BLESSING? “…. When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.” So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.”’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.” Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.…” (GENESIS 50:15:21).

Joseph was A BLESSING throughout his whole life; even through exile from his family as well as imprisonment. “…Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive…” (Genesis 50:20 KJV).

Do you see God’s continual BLESSINGS with Joseph during his exile as a servant and during his imprisonment? “…The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.   …” (Genesis 39:2-6 NLT).  “…But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. …” (Genesis 39:21-23 NLT).

Like Joseph’s experiences demonstrate, we all go through things that are cruel and unfair. Yet Joseph was “still” clearly BLESSED and A BLESSING through it ALL; so are YOU. Joseph later reveals his role as A BLESSING to his brothers: “…God sent me before you to preserve life.  For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. “Hurry and go up to my father, and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph: “God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not tarry. You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near to me, you and your children, your children’s children, your flocks and your herds, and all that you have. There I will provide for you, lest you and your household, and all that you have, come to poverty; for there are still five years of famine.”’ “And behold, your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my mouth that speaks to you. So you shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen; and you shall hurry and bring my father down here.” Then he fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. Moreover he kissed all his brothers and wept over them, and after that his brothers talked with him….” (Genesis 43:5-15 NLT).

It took 13 years before Joseph became ruler, but he was A BLESSING all through the years. “…I will save you that you may BECOME A BLESSING....” (Zechariah 8:13 KJV). “…Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren … Now Joseph had a dream …There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.” And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” ……Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.  Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt” (Genesis 37: 2, 5-14, 41:37-46). “…And in the PROCESS of time IT CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).

Joseph was a servant and a prisoner for a total of 13 years and was A BLESSING through it all. “…all things work together for GOOD  to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED to his purpose…” (Romans 8:28 KJV). What is God’s purpose? “….that you may BECOME A BLESSING....” (Zechariah 8:13 KJV).

“…I will save you that you may BECOME A BLESSING....” (Zechariah 8:13 KJV). No matter what you go through it can NOT STOP the BLESSING of God on your life and that blessing is for you to BECOME A BLESSING!  “…Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked?” (Ecclesiastes 7:13 NIV). “….God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it!” (Numbers 23:20 NLT).

“…you will be a blessing…” (Genesis 12:2 NIV). Therefore, YOU ARE “A” BLESSING AND I AM “A” BLESSING. “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “…by the GRACE of God [you are]…what [you are]…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

Apostle Paul KNEW he was “A” BLESSING and said: “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV). “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

“…all things work together for GOOD  to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED to his purpose…” (Romans 8:28 KJV).

God’s people should be examples of what it is to be truly “A” BLESSING of God. “…THY BLESSING is upon THY PEOPLE…” (Psalms 3:8 KJV). “…YOU MAKE HIM “MOST” BLESSED forever; …” (Psalms 21:6 NASB). “…BLESSINGS are on the head of the righteous…” (Proverbs 10:6 NASB).  “…You surround him WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).

“…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “…by the GRACE of God [you are]…what [you are]…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

You are A BLESSING and because of the indwelling Holy Spirit, God will BLESS EVERYTHING and EVERYBODY around for your SAKE. “…The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.   …” (Genesis 39:2-6 NLT).   “….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).

Like Joseph, YOU ARE “A” BLESSING!! No matter who leaves you or rejects you, or abandons you; God’s presence will ALWAYS BLESS your life. “…you will be a blessing…” (Genesis 12:2 NIV). “…He that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…God’s Spirit dwells in you?...” (1 Corinthians 3:16 NASB). God will “…never leave nor forsake you… …” (Hebrews 13:5).

God’s presence will ALWAYS BLESS the life around you. “….the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had…” (Genesis 39:2-6 NLT). “…BLESSINGS are on the head of the righteous…” (Proverbs 10:6 NASB).  “…You surround him WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).

God will cause YOU to be A BLESSING by BLESSING others simply for YOUR SAKE; just like he did Potipher, the Egyptian, BECAUSE of Joseph. “….the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake…” (Genesis 39:2-6 NLT).

God makes you A BLESSING by making you PROSPEROUS in ALL you DO. “…The Lord made all that he “did” to prosper in his hand…” (Genesis 39:3 KJV).

It is the PRESENCE and POWER of God’s indwelling Holy Spirt that makes you prosperous and wealthy in the things YOU DO. “…Remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that GIVETH thee POWER to GET WEALTH…” (Deuteronomy 8:18 KJV). “…Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HATH blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ…” (Ephesians 1:3 KJV).

By God’s GRACE are you “A” BLESSING. “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).  “…A man can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). “…Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV).  “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

“…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT[S]…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV). “ …We have this treasure “in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).  “…[People will]… know (witness) that everything [you]… have IS A GIFT “FROM” [God]…” (John 17:6-9 NLT).

“…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “…by the GRACE of God [you are]…what [you are]…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

I AM “A” BLESSING.

YOU ARE “A” BLESSING.