Friday, May 31, 2013

Day 94: Trampled Blessings



Reading: Psalm 41:1-6

God pours out blessing on those who care for the poor. This doesn't only mean those without much money, but those who are lost, sick, suffer addictions, etc. When we care for them, and do what we can to help them get on the right track or to find encouragement, we will find ourselves in God's blessing.
However, we must never forget that the enemy is on the prowl, especially against those going all in for God and His mission. He will do what it takes to knock us off kilter and make us feel like we've done wrong. This could even be in the form of gossip and slander. People who we think we can trust or who we believe are our friends may fish for any blackmail or gossip that can get from our lives, then tell the world all about it. Don't let Satan's tactics push you down when you're working on God's team. God will always be there to pick you back up and pour His blessing over you when you continue in His plan despite the hardships.


Reading: Luke 9:57-10:24

Those who choose to be followers of Christ will be the most blessed in the human race. Jesus calls His disciples to go out and spread the news and heal in His name. He gives them authority and power as they are followers of His. As followers of Christ today, we have the same authority under Christ to proclaim His word and to reach out to those in need. We can have full confidence in what we are doing because God has commissioned us. 
On the flip side, Jesus warns His disciples that He is sending them out into a dangerous world. He says He is sending out sheep among wolves. As Christians, you will probably face some sort of opposition at one point or another. Jesus didn't promise an easy road, but promised blessings upon His followers. The persecution that comes with Christianity (not as extreme in American as it is in many other countries), can turn people off to the faith. Fitting into the culture is more important than following Jesus for eternity. Society can make very hard to be a Christian. Sometimes it may feel like the slander and abuse can outweigh the benefits in this life. But keep the faith and keep the strength and authority you have in Jesus Christ. 


Reading: Deuteronomy 1:1-2:23

We have seen the endless journey through the wilderness for the Israelites. Moses reflects and instructs the people from here, telling them of the great things The Lord has done in their lives. Remembering the great blessings and provisions God had poured out on the people and himself. Moses also points out the promises God has fulfilled in multiplying the people greater than the stars. 
With reward comes hardship though. Moses also goes into the discouragement he faced, as well as the physical battles they had to fight along the way. The bickering, arguing and complaining from the people was another hurdle in the midst of blessing. 
Life at times can feel like an empty wilderness. We may become discouraged and complain about something good coming, that we have no patience for. The journey in the wilderness should have only taken 11 days, but ended up being 40 years! God will fulfill His promises to us, but don't let your complaining, discouragement and bickering set you back. Remember what God has done in your life, and be grateful. He knows what He's doing, and sometimes we just need to be patient and obey.


With blessing will always come something to knock us back down. We are a blessed people. Followers of Jesus are always blessed, but let this not make us entitled. Don't let a big head take away from your blessing. Always remember that enemies are on the prowl, waiting to pull you down and put your focus on things that are not of God. 



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