Do you wish to be BLESSED? (part 1)

Do you wish to be blessed?

The world seems to offer so many means of becoming blessed. Even churches seem to have the magic steps to being blessed. But more often than not, the seeker is turned away disappointed.

The Bible does speak of God blessing individuals throughout history. But how can one move God to bless him/her?

Here lies the dilemma, the God of all creation, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel cannot be moved to do something for you, as though he owed anyone anything.

Is there no hope?

Perhaps.

The Bible speaks clearly that He is merciful to whomever He desires to be merciful(Exodus 33:19; Romans 9:18). What's even more scary is that God also hardens some(Exodus 33:19; Romans 9:18).

So the truth is you are hopeless. You really can NOT do anything, only God can. You are TRULY at the mercy of God.

So then, cry out to Him. Beg Him! Plead with Him to be merciful. For this is the first sign of His grace. That is, if you are burdened by this, it is the grace of God.

However, if you could care less as you read this, be very afraid. For God has turned you over to your own sinful desires. The LORD has hardened you. The mercy of the LORD is far from you!

But if God has been merciful to you by burdening your heart for more mercy, do not delay, while the Spirit is working. For tomorrow is to late. Repent from your sin! Believe in the only hope, the mercy of God.

You may say, "my sin is too great!"

The LORD knows of your sin. And He is indeed JUST! He can not nor will not neglect sin. But the Father has provided a sacrifice. His only begotten Son, Jesus the Messiah.

He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the whole world.

God the Father poured out His wrath on His Son for those whom the Son came to save. Then Jesus, after paying the full penalty for sin, breathed His last and died.

This is not the end, though!

Three days later, He arose and ascended into heaven where His Father is seated. Jesus Christ is now active in pleading for His Father to render to Him all that He came to save. The Father withholds none from His Son, but gives to His Son all that He came to save.

Jesus Christ indeed will receive the full amount of what He has purchased on the cross. He will not be disappointed with His reward!

Jesus has sent His Holy Spirit to convict those who are His of their sins and bring them to a faith that ends in SALVATION.

Indeed, Ephesians 1:3 states that those whom Christ purchased on the cross will receive "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places"

You desire to be blessed?

Cry out to the LORD!

For He delights in those who wait on "His steadfast love." Psalms 147: 13b