DRAWING NEAR
October 7
Enjoying God's Blessings
"Blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it"
(Luke 11:28).
Obeying Scripture brings spiritual blessing.
When Scripture speaks of a person's being blessed, it usually refers
to the reception of some temporal or spiritual benefit. It also
includes the joy and sense of well-being that comes with knowing that
God is at work on your behalf.
The psalmist wrote, "How blessed is the man who does not walk in the
counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in
the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and
in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree
firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its
season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he
prospers" (Ps. 1:1-2). Those who know and obey God's Word will be
blessed. The psalmist likened them to a strong, productive,
prosperous tree.
James added, "One who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of
liberty [God's Word], and abides by it, not having become a forgetful
hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he
does" (James 1:25). Again, the very act of obedience brings blessing.
John opens the book of Revelation with this promise: "Blessed is he
who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the
things which are written in it" (Rev. 1:3). Jesus closed the
Revelation with the same promise: "Blessed is he who heeds the words
of the prophecy of this book" (Rev. 22:7). Obedience and blessing
always go hand-in-hand.
As a Christian, you've been blessed "with every spiritual blessing in
the heavenly places in Christ" (Eph. 1:3). Every spiritual resource
is yours. Even in times of sorrow and persecution, God's blessing
rests on you (1 Pet. 4:14). But you can forfeit His blessings by
neglecting His Word or committing other sinful acts. So guard your
heart carefully and continue in the Word. As you do, your joy will be
boundless!
Suggestions for Prayer:
Make a list of specific ways in which the Lord has blessed you in
recent days. Praise Him for each one.
For Further Study:
Read James 1:12, 1 Peter 3:14, and 1 Peter 4:14. How does God's
blessing apply when you're suffering unjustly?
Drawing Near, Copyright 1993 John F. MacArthur, Jr.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
http://www.gty.org
~~~
James 1:12
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been
approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has
promised to those who love Him.
1 Peter 3:14
14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are
blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled."
1 Peter 4:14
14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you,
for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He
is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
~~~
These devotions are posted with permission from John MacArthur's
first (1993) devotional work, _Drawing Near_, and they are also sent
out daily for free to several folks via e-mail.
In addition, John's second (1997) devotional, _Strength for Today_,
is also available free via e-mail only. _Strength for Today_ follows
the same format as what you have seen here from _Drawing Near_, but
with different monthly themes.
If you would like to receive daily devotions via e-mail from either
of these series, just let me know (via e-mail), and I will gladly add
you to the list(s) of your choice.
You can hear John MacArthur daily via the Internet by visiting:
http://www2.oneplace.com/Ministries/Grace_to_You/
and
http://www.gty.org.uk/
You may email John MacArthur in care of Grace to You at:
letters@gty.org
NOTE for those of you reading via newsgroups: If you wish to reach
me, please contact me via e-mail for quickest results.
In Christ,
Peter
Peter G. Chase :: Columbus, Ohio, USA
pchase1@wideopenwest.com
STOP! Who do you think Jesus Is?
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To forgive is to set a prisoner free, and to discover that the prisoner was you. -Alistair Begg
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