True Blessing
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I have two mongrels that my children named “Bolt” and “Kion.” Bolt was a beautiful puppy with dominant white fur spotted with brown and black patches. It was actually the reason I got attracted to the puppies. Kion, with all brown colour, was not as flamboyant.
As they grew however, Bolt turned out to be very aggressive and unpredictable, and brought me a lot of trouble in the neighbourhood. Kion on the other hand turned out to be very gentle, friendly and very accommodating, and would humbly succumb even when I am doing something it hates– like bathing them. Bolt would hardly play with you, but Kion can leave its food, and come and play with you; sort of telling you,
“I value our relationship over everything else.”
And often, Bolt would get jealous when Kion succeeds in getting me to play with him, and would aggressively come and shove him away and take his place.
Naturally, Kion became my favourite and it reflected in everything, including the quantity and quality of food it gets. But often, Bolt would enter Kions kernel and eat its food before later going to eat its own, especially when I feed Kion first. And on the few occasions when Kion objected, it became a fierce fight. Their fights are something else, often stopped by pouring buckets of water, or directing a jet of water at them. But there are occasions that the only solution is to isolate them by covering one of them with a basket or basin. To avoid the confusion, I resolved to feed Bolt first, so that while occupied with its own food, it will leave Kion in peace, and it worked.
As I fed them a few hours back, I pondered these issues and asked myself,
“Could it not be that God sometimes gives the world a decoy of wealth, so that they would leave His children alone in peace?”
I have often heard children of God compare themselves to people of the world, asking why God has blessed the wicked, and has not blessed them. In Jeremiah 12:1-2 we read,
You are always righteous, Lord,
when I bring a case before you.
Yet I would speak with you about your justice:
Why does the way of the wicked prosper?
Why do all the faithless live at ease?
You have planted them, and they have taken root;
they grow and bear fruit.
You are always on their lips
but far from their hearts.
The first problem with such a comparison is the fact that the prosperity gospel, which Jesus rejected for angels to come and attend to him (Matthew 4:8-11); has totally eclipsed what true godly blessing is. And I will not be surprised if people are surprised by what I am about to uncover. It is in Psalm 32:1-2, and says:
“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.”
The blessed person is the one whose sins are forgiven, and whose sins the LORD does not count against him! This is the main dish when it comes to blessings; and other things, the secondary ones are then added (Matthew 6:33)!
When the great company of heavenly host appeared with the angel who announced the birth of the Christ to the shepherds (Luke 2:14), they praised God saying:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When God’s favour rests on you, He gives you peace; which worldly riches cannot buy! Next time you see the wicked “prosper”, know that God might just be keeping them busy so that you will have peace! True blessing comes from peace with God. Jesus said (Luke 14:27),
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
True blessing, is peace with God.
MEMORY VERSE
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives. “
(Luke 14:27)
QUESTIONS
Have you sometimes wondered why the wicked prosper ?
Couldn’t it just be that God keeps the busy so that he can bless us ?
PRAYER TIP
Father, please let me
feel Your peace,
even as you throw the
scraps at the wicked.
URGENT CALL
Every soul is valuable to God, far more than the entire world! But by nature, we are all sinful, and alienated from God, and we ultimately face his wrath!
God in His mercy and love made a way for us to remedy this. He gives us a chance to reverse this downward spiral to destruction, join His family, be part of His household, and become His children.
The first step to becoming a member of God’s household is for us to be saved.
Salvation comes through accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Personal Savior.
It is a very personal decision. No one can make that decision for you.
If you make that decision today, there will be great singing and rejoicing in heaven; because one new member has joined the family and household of God! A soul, much, much more valuable than the world, has been saved from destruction!
Do you want to make that decision today?
Please visit “The Believer’s Prayer”
for guidance if you want
to make that decision.
Then develop your new relationship
with God through your Quiet Time.
Then find a Bible-Believing Church
where you can Fellowship with like
minded people.
We will be happy to hear from you through the contact information on that page, or the ones at the top of this page. Don’t delay. Make this very personal decision today!
God richly bless you
SPECIAL GRATITUDE
Thank you for visiting the Testimony Devotional Website.
We would not have gotten here without your prayers, goodwill and overall support. We are grateful, and humbled.
We thank God for counting us worthy to share in His Great Commission; and we thank you for sticking with us through this journey.
God richly bless you.
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