Christian Living
Spiritual Blessings in Christ - Ephesians1:3 (ESV)
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us[b] for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known[c] to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
We must remember to be "Christ-Like" means to live as Christ showed us to live. He taught many lessons during his time on earth, so that he may give us and example of the lifestyle we are expected to live. He has truly blessed us with his spiritual blessings that raise us up and release us from the world's turmoil. We, in turn, must learn to bless others and be the blessing that Christ taught us to be. There is a saying that says whatever you bless will bless you and whatever you curse will curse you.
What or who have you cursed lately? How did it turn out for you? Did it make you feel blessed? I doubt you found that any good came from it and you more than likely felt miserable afterward - both mentally and physically. Your upset, anger and frustration at a person or a situation is nothing more than fuel added to a very dangerous fire, whereas you blessing to every situation is water that allows no dangerous fire to burn you up. Your blessing quenches your thirst and makes you want more. Your blessings are your love, your faith, your hope, it's living the way Christ showed you how to live. Life is never going to be "fair", that's because God is teaching us through every "unfair" act upon us. Those trails he sets before us are to strengthen our faith, to have us turn our minds to Him and be dependent upon Him. Find the lesson in the problem, what do you need to learn from it? Apply the lesson you learned and you will be blessed. The lesson is the blessing! Thank God for your troubles without them you would be shallow and empty.
What or who have you blessed lately? How did it feel? Once you bless the person or thing that is upsetting you, it releases you from so much anxiety, stress and bitterness. You may not like blessing the person or situation -at first- but you will see positive result from it and then wonder why you never thought to do it sooner. Make a habit of blessing people you encounter whether they upset you or not. Bless the lady in front of you in line who's taking an hour counting her change - it may be her last dimes that she's spending. Bless the guy who cut you off on the freeway - he maybe hurting inside and not paying attention as he should. Bless the angry boss - she may be a lost soul who needs to find God. We are all human, we all make mistakes, I would like to think there's someone blessing me when I make mistakes - when I am slow in line, when I accidentally cut someone off on the highway or when I am angry. I have blessed people and saw them change their whole demeanor right before my eyes. This whole act of blessing is a real blessing!
Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
So as you go through your day bless it don't curse it...
Don't like your job? Bless it - it'll either get better or you will find a better one.
Upset at your spouse? Bless him or her - they will not be able to be angry at you - who can be angry a someone full of God's blessings? OK, some people may - but they are few!
Are your finances making you anxious? Bless what you have and you will always find you have what you need to live in comfort. God provides!
Have a bad neighbor? Bless them until it hurts! The situation will change or they may even move away. God takes care of His people!
Whether the blessing changes the situation or it just changes you - everyone is still blessed. Get out there and be the blessing God meant you to be.
Bless you all!
James 1:2 (ESV)
Testing of Your Faith
2 Count it all joy, my brothers,[a] when you meet trials of various kinds,
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