THE BLESSING OF THE LORD

 

THE BLESSING OF THE LORD

A blessing is a pronouncement or invocation of good fortunes, prosperity or divine favor upon someone or something. It is from the classic Greek word “makarioi” meaning “to be fully satisfied”. It can also refer to a gift or benefit bestowed upon an individual or group. In a spiritual context, a blessing is divine favor which is God’s gracious and loving provision, or guidance; it is a spiritual gift that is a bestowal of spiritual power, wisdom or insight. It is a decree or pronouncement of good that is a declaration of God’s goodness, mercy or grace. Believers are blessed with being consecration which is a setting apart for a sacred purpose or dedicating to God’s service and this has benefit or advantage.

It is very important that we say right off the back that blessings are often associated with God’s covenant promises, obedience to God’s commands [Deut. 28:1-12], faithfulness and trust, worship and praise and spiritual growth and maturity. We often recognize God’s goodness and love in our lives when we receive His blessings.

It is highly important to note from the beginning of time that it was the will of God to bless man that was the delegated authority of God on planet earth. We know that the heaven of heavens belongs to our God and the earth He has given to the children of men [Psalm 115:16]. That is why we see God created the Garden of Eden for Adam and Eve where all the good things of life were created before God put Adam and Eve in there.

“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth” Gen. 1:28 

There are five blessings of God proclaimed on men at the very beginning of time which is the number of graces. So, we can categorically say there are physical and spiritual blessing both in the OT and NT. This is not part of the law that was abolished but these are blessings of the Lord that make rich and add no sorrow to it nor does difficulty accompany it

“True enrichment comes from the blessing of the Lord, with rest and contentment in knowing that it all comes from him” Prov. 10:22 TPT

Abraham stands out as a very good example of an Old Testament patriarch who was blessed by the Lord. He hearkened to and obeyed the voice of the Lord even to the near sacrifice of his son and God proclaimed the blessings of the Lord upon him.   

“That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies. And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice” Gen. 22:17-18 

It is highly important to point out that Jesus Christ is the seed of God in whom all the earth are blessed. He actually was crucified on the cross so that He nailed our curses to the cross so that we can inherit the blessings of God upon His life which is the Holy Ghost that came from the Father but released on the day of Pentecost so we can partake of Christ’s blessings. Just like Mary the mother of Jesus, we can only be in a state of deep satisfaction and joy when the indwelling Presence of God known as the Holy Spirit is resident and in control of the affairs of our life. That is the reason why the glorious attribute of being highly favored can be pronounced upon us like Mary.

The Holy Spirit comes to replace what Adam and Eve lost in the Garden of Eve called the Presence of God but thank God he does not come only in the cool of the day but He is the treasure in earthen vessel that the excellence of power can be of God and not of Man [2 Cor. 4:7; *Matt. 13:44*; Col. 1:27]

“Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him. For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody” Isa. 51:2-3 

However, it is impenitent that we understand the blessings of Abraham so we can understand all that belong to the gentiles who became believers in the New Testament. You and I are blessed after the order of Abraham, we also are called, blessed and increased just like him. God also has comforted us and make our wilderness to blossom just like the Garden of Eden blossomed. Joy and gladness, thanksgiving and melody shall be found in us also.

"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hang on a tree. So that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith." Gal. 3:14 [See also Gal. 3:9, 29; Gen. 12:2-3]

The New Testament blessing of the Lord is indeed the promise of the Holy Spirit, received through faith in Christ Jesus as seen in Gal. 3:14. This blessing is rooted in the Abrahamic covenant and extends to all nations, making us partakers of God's promises and heirs of His kingdom. The Lord Jesus Christ was the only begotten son and through adoption, we were coopted into the family of God and we become children of God, partakers of the blessings of the Lord and given the inheritance that belong to the children of God.

“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” Rom. 8:15-17 

Receiving the promised Spirit through faith is a central aspect of the New Testament blessing, enabling us to live a life that honors God and reflects His love and character. We must embrace this blessing and walk in the fullness of the Spirit, manifesting God's presence and power in our lives!

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth:” John 1:14 

My people are destroyed because of lack of knowledge, we must know the truth so that the grace that goes with the truth can be released unto us and we can be a partaker of the glory of God.

INCREASING THE MEASURE OF THE SPIRIT

“And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles. Again, he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again, he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins. Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over. And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river. Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other. Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. And it shall come to pass, that everything that live, which move, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and everything shall live whither the river cometh “Ezek. 47:3-9

From the cross, a Roman soldier pierced the side of Jesus and water and blood flowed out, so in ascension as Jesus sat on the Throne in heaven, the blood was collected in a bowl for the remission of our sin but in Ezek. 47:1-12, the water flowed towards the East and its size keep on increasing the more Ezekiel and the angel waded in it until it became the river of life called the Holy Spirit. It is the same river that flowed from Eden in the very beginning and divided into four heads.

So, it is the fullness of the Spirit in this context that led to multitude of fishes from Engedi to Englam and that made fruitful trees to grow at the river banks. It is the ministry of the Holy Spirit that empowers us and cause us to bear the gifts and fruit of the Spirit. Wherever and who soever the river of the Spirit flows, we know that the leaves shall be for healing of the nations and the water of the Spirit gives life to whoever encounters him.

So, it is as we WALK IN THE SPIRIT that there will continue to be an overflowing inflow of the Spirit in our inner man. Walk here means practical daily living. [Gal. 5:25; Romans 8:14]. We have been given new birth through the Spirit [John 3:6] and we must continue to live day by day in the Spirit. To walk in the Spirit means we yield to His commands and control. We must follow His leading and allow Him to exert His influence over us. For example, those who walk in the Spirit will not gratify the desires of the flesh which is the fallen nature under the power of sin, we will live like dead men when the flesh is in control [Gal. 5:19-21] but live as reborn sons of God when we walk in the Spirit [Gal. 5:22-24]

Only then can we see the power, grace and the glory of God alive in us in a ever increasing measure and from glory to glory. The increase in the presence of the Spirit in us leads to producing godly results and qualities within us having crucified the flesh with its passions and desires Gal. 5:24

 How do we walk in the Spirit?

1.      Be committed to prayers

2.      You must be committed to the Word of God

3.      You must be committed to obedience

4.      You must not fulfill the lust of the flesh, eyes and pride of life

5.      Be strengthened by power in your inner man Eph. 3:16

6.      Christ continue to dwell in you through faith Eph. 3:17-18

7.      Know and walk in love Eph. 3:19

 

THE BLESSINGS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR LIVES

1. The promised Spirit brings spiritual life and rebirth by:

a. Regenerating our spirits: The Holy Spirit gives us new life, enabling us to become children of God. (Titus 3:5) 

b. Quickening our souls: He awakens our souls, making us alive to God and His kingdom. (1 Corinthians 15:45)

c. Renewing our minds: The Spirit transforms our thinking, enabling us to understand and embrace spiritual truths. (Romans 12:2: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind)

d. Empowering our hearts: He gives us a new heart, enabling us to love and obey God. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

e. Illuminating our understanding: The Spirit opens our eyes to the truth, helping us comprehend God's plans and purposes. (Ephesians 1:18)

f. Sealing: Guarantees our inheritance, securing our salvation [Eph. 1:13-14]

This spiritual rebirth is the foundation of our relationship with God, enabling us to know God personally, experience His love and grace, live according to His will, grow in our faith and become more like Christ

We must cherish and nurture this spiritual life, allowing the promised Spirit to continually transform and empower us!

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2. The Promised Spirit brings empowerment for witness and service

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” Act 1:8 

The Promised Spirit brings empowerment for witness and service by:

a. Anointing us for ministry: The Spirit equips us to share the Gospel and serve others. (Luke 4:18; 1 John 2:27):

b. Giving us boldness to witness (Acts 4:31): He fills us with courage to share our faith with others.

c. Empowering us to preach (Acts 1:8): The Spirit gives us the power to proclaim God's message.

d. Enabling us to serve (1 Peter 4:11): He strengthens us to serve others with humility and love.

e. Granting us spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11): The Spirit distributes gifts to build up the body of Christ.

f. Filling us with His fruit (Galatians 5:22-23): The Spirit produces love, joy, peace, and other qualities in us.

This empowerment enables us to effectively share the Gospel, build up the body of Christ, demonstrate God's love and compassion, overcome fear and doubt and bring glory to God. Only those who yield to the Promised Spirit, will He empower for witness and service!

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3. The promised Spirit brings guidance and wisdom

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come” John 16:13 

The Promised Spirit brings guidance and wisdom by:

a. Leading us into truth (John 16:13): He guides us into a deeper understanding of God's Word and will.

b. Illuminating our path (Eph. 1:17-19): The Spirit helps us navigate life's challenges and decisions.

c. Giving us wisdom (James 1:5): He grants us wisdom to apply God's truth to everyday situations.

d. Counseling us (Romans 8:14): The Spirit provides guidance and direction in our lives.

e. Helping us discern (1 Corinthians 2:14, 10-12): He enables us to distinguish between good and evil, truth and error.

f. Revealing God's plans (1 Cor. 2:9-11): The Spirit gives us insight into God's purposes and intentions.

This guidance and wisdom enable us to make godly decisions, avoid pitfalls and temptations, understand God's will, navigate uncertain situations, grow in our faith and bring glory to God and we must trust Him to lead us in our lives!

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4. The Promised Spirit brings fruitfulness and character transformation [into Christ-likeness] by:

a. Producing fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23): Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

b. Transforming our character (2 Corinthians 3:18): Conforming us to Christ's image, reflecting His love, humility, and compassion.

c. Renewing our minds (Romans 12:2): Enabling us to think, perceive, and understand spiritual truths.

d. Sanctifying us (1 Corinthians 6:11): Setting us apart for God's purposes, making us holy.

e. Empowering us to overcome sin (Romans 8:13): Enabling us to put to death the deeds of the flesh.

f. Giving us a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26-27): Replacing our stony hearts with a heart of flesh, capable of loving God.

This fruitfulness and character transformation enable us to reflect Christ's love and character live a life pleasing to God, demonstrate spiritual maturity, bear fruit that lasts, bring glory to God and experience deeper fellowship with God

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5. The promised Spirit brings assurance of salvation and sonship

The Promised Spirit brings assurance of salvation and sonship by:

a. Witnessing to our spirit (Romans 8:16): Confirming our adoption as children of God.

b. Sealing us for redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14): Guaranteeing our inheritance as sons and daughters.

c. Giving us the spirit of adoption (Romans 8:15): Enabling us to cry out to God as our Father.

d. Confirming our faith (2 Corinthians 1:22): Assuring us of our salvation and relationship with God.

e. Producing fruit of righteousness (Philippians 1:11): Demonstrating our new nature and sonship.

f. Leading us to glorify Christ (Philippians 2:13): Empowering us to live for God's glory.

This assurance of salvation and sonship brings confidence in our relationship with God, peace in knowing our eternal destiny, joy in our adoption as children of God, freedom from fear and doubt and motivation to live a life pleasing to God. We rest in the Promised Spirit's assurance, knowing we are children of God!

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6. The Promised Spirit brings access to spiritual gifts and graces by:

1. Distributing spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11): Enabling us to serve and build up the body of Christ. Contrary to popular speech, we can desire spiritual gifts [1 Cor. 14:1] if our intention is to use it to bless the body of Christ.

2. Granting graces (Romans 12:6-8): Empowering us to serve with humility and love.

3. Anointing us for ministry (1 John 2:27): Equipping us to share the Gospel and serve others.

4. Empowering us to pray (Romans 8:26-27): Helping us pray according to God's will.

5. Enabling us to worship (Philippians 3:3): Inspiring us to worship God in spirit and truth.

6. Giving us wisdom and revelation (Ephesians 1:17-18): Illuminating our understanding of God's plans and purposes.

These spiritual gifts and graces enable us to serve others effectively, build up the body of Christ demonstrate God's love and power, grow in our faith, and bring glory to God. We must yield to the Promised Spirit, allowing Him to equip us with spiritual gifts and graces!

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7. The promised Spirit brings strength and comfort in times of need

The Promised Spirit brings strength and comfort in times of need by:

a. Being our Helper (John 14:26): Assisting us in our weaknesses and difficulties.

b. Providing comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4): Bringing solace and peace in times of sorrow or hardship.

c. Strengthening us (Ephesians 3:16): Empowering us to face challenges and overcome obstacles.

d. Giving us hope (Romans 15:13): Inspiring us with confidence in God's promises and plans.

e. Offering guidance (Psalm 48:14): Directing us through uncertain circumstances.

f. Being our Refuge (Psalm 91:2): Providing a safe haven in times of trouble.

This strength and comfort enable us to face trials with courage and faith, overcome adversity and hardship, find peace in the midst of turmoil, trust in God's sovereignty and love and persevere in our walk with God. We must rely on the Promised Spirit's strength and comfort, knowing He is always with us!

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We must highlight the dimensional increase of the Holy Spirit's Presence, Power, and Gifts in believers as they mature and grow spiritually. This is a result of:

1. Mind renewal (Romans 12:2): Believers' minds are transformed, enabling them to think, perceive, and understand spiritual truths more deeply.

2. Transformation into Christ's image (2 Corinthians 3:18): Believers are progressively conformed to Christ's likeness, reflecting His character, wisdom, and love. This transformation occurs in ever-increasing splendor, meaning that:

a. The Holy Spirit's Presence becomes more pronounced and intimate

b. His Power is demonstrated more visibly in and through believers

c. His Gifts are manifested more abundantly and effectively

As believers continue to mature, they experience deeper fellowship with God, increased fruitfulness in ministry and witness, greater Christ-like character and humility, more effective prayer and intercession and enhanced spiritual discernment and wisdom

This dimensional increase is a lifelong process, with believers continually growing in grace, knowledge, and intimacy with God. We must embrace this transformation, yielding to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives so we can grow and increase, going from a lower level to a higher indwelling of the treasure in earthen vessel.