04-03-2020, 10:13 AM
RESTORATION TODAY
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020.
TOPIC: *THE BLESSING OF GOD [2]*
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3.
*MESSAGE*
In Matthew 5:3-11, again and again, we see Jesus use the word 'blessed'and associate it with things we will hardly reckon as blessings naturally speaking. It is noteworthy that the Greek word rendered as 'blessed' in these verses comes from the word makàrios. This word speaks of being supremely happy, fortunate, and in a position to continually receive God's favour. It associates being blessed to having to having a rewarding relationship with God.
Even the English dictionary defines 'blessed' as to be "made holy; consecrated; or endowed with divine favour and protection". All of these goes to show that the essential meaning of being blessed isn't actually monetary riches or material comfort, it rather has to do with "being made holy." And how are we made holy? It is through redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Therefore, fundamentally, the most genuine type of blessing is to be made mindful of our depraved and pitiful state which then prompts our acknowledgement of a need for a Saviour which then results in our new birth. All others blessings could not hope to compare to this by any means!
It is therefore an error to think that the unbeliever next door who seems to be living a more comfortable life is more blessed than a believer, even if the believer's experience doesn't feel as blessed as such. The devil knows how to take care of his own people --- he makes them comfortable like a chicken rearer takes good care of the chicken, not do much because he loves the chicken but he loves how the chicken will end up on his plate during the next party where the chicken will be slaughtered, prepared and served. The comfort he gives actually blinds the unbelievers from acknowledging their need for a Saviour (2 Corinthians 4:4).
*ACTION POINT*
Do you have some friends, colleagues or relatives that are yet to know the Lord? Pray for them.
*SCRIPTURES*
2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 2:1-2; John 3:16.
*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Thank you for saving me, O God;
2. Father, let Your Spirit draw to You my friends and relatives that are yet to give their live to You in the name of Jesus;
3. I declare that i am blessed and highly favored in the name of Jesus.
*THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR*
Leviticus 10; Psalm 110-111; Mark 3:13-35.
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020.
TOPIC: *THE BLESSING OF GOD [2]*
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3.
*MESSAGE*
In Matthew 5:3-11, again and again, we see Jesus use the word 'blessed'and associate it with things we will hardly reckon as blessings naturally speaking. It is noteworthy that the Greek word rendered as 'blessed' in these verses comes from the word makàrios. This word speaks of being supremely happy, fortunate, and in a position to continually receive God's favour. It associates being blessed to having to having a rewarding relationship with God.
Even the English dictionary defines 'blessed' as to be "made holy; consecrated; or endowed with divine favour and protection". All of these goes to show that the essential meaning of being blessed isn't actually monetary riches or material comfort, it rather has to do with "being made holy." And how are we made holy? It is through redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Therefore, fundamentally, the most genuine type of blessing is to be made mindful of our depraved and pitiful state which then prompts our acknowledgement of a need for a Saviour which then results in our new birth. All others blessings could not hope to compare to this by any means!
It is therefore an error to think that the unbeliever next door who seems to be living a more comfortable life is more blessed than a believer, even if the believer's experience doesn't feel as blessed as such. The devil knows how to take care of his own people --- he makes them comfortable like a chicken rearer takes good care of the chicken, not do much because he loves the chicken but he loves how the chicken will end up on his plate during the next party where the chicken will be slaughtered, prepared and served. The comfort he gives actually blinds the unbelievers from acknowledging their need for a Saviour (2 Corinthians 4:4).
*ACTION POINT*
Do you have some friends, colleagues or relatives that are yet to know the Lord? Pray for them.
*SCRIPTURES*
2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 2:1-2; John 3:16.
*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Thank you for saving me, O God;
2. Father, let Your Spirit draw to You my friends and relatives that are yet to give their live to You in the name of Jesus;
3. I declare that i am blessed and highly favored in the name of Jesus.
*THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR*
Leviticus 10; Psalm 110-111; Mark 3:13-35.