21/11/12

Which blessing do you crave for?

Psalm 132:15 - I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor [wants] with bread [food grains].


Today's scripture reveals very beautifully how we should preview our lives in Christ. Psalm 132 verse 13 onwards talks of the Lord blessing Zion which symbolizes those who have taken refuge in the Lord (His Word).

Most people think being blessed in worldly things shows the favour of God on that person. Let us see what scriptures say.

Today's message puts that picture clearly. It talks of the Lord blessing abundantly with provision but then the same scripture of the Lord blessing her wants with bread. These 2 facts seem to contradict each other. One part talks of abundance and the other part talks of the basics. It is only when we realize where they point to, then alone the truth comes clear.

The Bible talks of us being blessed with riches according to His glory but sadly to the worldly people our God is not a worldly God. He is spirit and His riches are truly riches which do not perish by age or use but on the contrary grows by time and use, for these are spiritual riches and not worldly natural riches.

Coming to the natural, our God knows we dwell in a body and our body has needs and for that God says He will provide what is necessary. The Bible nowhere says God promises His people abundance of the riches of the world. As Christians our primary goal is to overcome this world. We are spirit being who have to overcome the corruption which got imputed into us by the fruit of good and bad eaten by Adam and which has grown in us over generations.

Jesus clearly says the Gospels those who are rich will have the most difficult time to enter Heaven. He puts it as almost impossible and only God can save them.

Those are blessed with riches are tested the most and that is why Jesus says in the Beatitudes 'blessed are the poor for theirs is the Kingdom of God'. It does not only mean poor is spirit it also means those who are not rich in worldly things. It is not that riches are evil but it is that riches are catalyst to the carnal desires of man. A rich man no longer sober to communicate with the Spirit of God, the things of the world and his like for good things start to hinder his communication with God.

Today's message speaks to those who take refuge in the Word of God, the Lord is telling them He will bless them with real riches, about their worldly needs the Lord is telling them they will not lack.


[ Prayer Starter ]
Lord, in your Word You ask to over the desires of the flesh and be led by the Spirit. Lord, this world is a temporary dwelling place for us; our real home is with You in Heaven. A place made with the most precious things of Heaven that is beyond the imagination of man. Lord, help us to overcome our desires for the things of this world. Help us to know their true purpose and help us to long for the real precious things of your Kingdom which lasts forever...

This prayer we make in Jesus' Name, Amen.


[ Reference Scriptures ]
Psalm 132:13-18
13 For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.
14 This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.
15 I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.
16 I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.
17 There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.
18 His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.

Matthew 19:21-26
21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Luke 6:24 - But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.

Luke 12:16-23
16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. 23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.

2 Corinthians 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Luke 12:34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others.
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