According to a book I read recently, A Time to Advance by Chuck Pierce with Robert and Linda Heidler, the word "bless" or "blessing" is used in the scripture 474 times. That would surely indicate that blessing is important to the God we serve.
The first mention of blessing is found in the very first chapter of the Bible. Genesis 1:22 reads, God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth" (NAS). It would appear that God's idea of blessing is to release increase, prosperity and the multiplication of all that is good and pleasant in life.
Further into the scripture in Gen. 24:1 it tells us that God blessed Abraham "in all things". Yes, blessing appears to be significant to the God we serve.
I have always loved the blessing recorded in Deut. 6:24-26, The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace. WOW!! Now that is surely a blessing!!
Why is it then that in this world our lives are filled with tough battles? The author of the book I am reading took me to the story of Joseph. Joseph was hated by his brothers, sold as a slave, falsely accused, and thrown in prison. Hardly what one could call a blessed life. But God.........you see the blessing of God actually interfered with the plans of men and the enemy of God's people. Under the power of blessing Joseph rises above each and every curse on his life. Divine appointments seem to just happen, supernatural connections are made, doors opened to a future he could not have fully imagined possible. In fact, Joseph saves the nation of his forefathers. He is in the exact right place, at the perfect time.
Dear one, you may be in the midst of an incredible battle of life but I tell you the truth, if you would meet with your God, walk humbly and obediently before Him, He will turn your mourning into dancing(Psalm 30:11). With all my heart I believe the Lord longs to bless you (Isaiah 30:18). Jesus came that you and I might have life (John 10:10).
Stay tuned.......part 2 is tomorrow.
Blessings,
Patricia Wenzel
WOC Graduate
Some material taken from: A Time to Advance by Chuck Pierce with Robert and Linda Heidler Available through Glory of Zion, Inc., PO Box 1601, Denton, TX 76202 www.gloryofzion.org
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