As a Pastor I quite often get requests to bless many things including homes, babies, jobs and even a child’s kitten once.
From a Biblical perspective a blessing is an indication or a mark of God’s relationship with an individual or a select group of people. When a person or group is blessed it is receiving God’s grace upon them. When I do a prayer of blessing I always pray for the individual, be it in of the home, the child, the actions of the individual at the job or the child who holds the kitten, praying for a right relationship between them and God.
From Genesis on we are told of God blessing His people. – All the nations on earth will be blessed through Abraham and his offspring. “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” Genesis 22:18
Their blessing came because they obeyed. We too shall receive God’s blessing but we must remember that we too have a responsibility.
Here are ten directives showing that God’s grace upon us is ‘His‘ response to ‘our’ actions.
Obey God’s word – Jesus speaking… “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28
Do God’s bidding -“The man who looks intently into the Perfect Law that gives freedom and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it — he will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:25
Rely on the Holy Spirit – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.” Matthew 5:3
Be a comforter – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
Be submissive to the Lord – “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5
Seek righteousness – “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6
Show mercy – “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy“ Matthew 5:7
Be a 1 John 1:9 Christian – “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8
Be a peacemaker – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9
Be righteous – “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.” Matthew 5:10
My prayer for you this week
“Heavenly Father, Creator God, thank you for your many blessings, help us to not walk in the council of the ungodly, or stand in the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of the scornful. Our delight is in your law and in your law we meditate day and night. Help us to be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bring forth fruit in its seasons, whose leaf shall not wither; and in whatever we do, by your grace, may we be blessed. In Jesus name, amen.” Psalm 1:1-3
by Alec Niemi
Used by Permission
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