Spiritual
Blessings
Did you ever wonder why you receive the blessings that our Heavenly Father graciously gives you? Did you know that these blessings are by the kindness and compassion of God, and have nothing to do with yourself? Just as by grace you have salvation through faith. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8). It is God's grace that is the very source of your faith as a believer. Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:9). Salvation is not a reward for the good we have done, or boasting about how we obtained it on our own. "Salvation is a free spiritual blessing by the grace of God."
Why spiritual blessings and not material blessings? Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (Ephesians 1:3). "We as true followers are to be blessed with "spiritual blessings," in heavenly places through Christ. (i.e. Don't worry about material blessings). Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (Matthew 6:31). Remember that the famine in the end times is for hearing the Word of God. (Amos 8:11). Christ is the bread of life (spiritual blessing), that we should be concerned with. For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (Matthew 6:32). "Don't worry about what others seek." Our Heavenly Father already knows what we need. (The material things in our life). But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33). Search for the spiritual blessings, the "King and His Dominion." Seek the truth of His Word and make Him first in your life, and He will always give you what you need. (Not necessarily what you want). And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (2 Corinthians 9:8). When you ask for spiritual blessings (things of the kingdom), God will always take care of you.
So, how do we obtain more of these spiritual blessings. "You ask and earn them." And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13). Ask anything in Jesus name, and He will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. "Asking for things that please the Heavenly Father." (Again, not things you want). If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. (John 14:14). Again, the key here is "ask in Jesus name." But, how do we earn spiritual blessings? Blessings from God can come by thirsting for truth, searching the scriptures, doing good to others, and sharing the truth of His word. (The good works of a Christian). Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16). Let others see your good works, for your good works are the only things you can take with you. They are your rewards (spiritual blessings), in heaven. (Revelation 14:13). Lets go to the book of Matthew and see what Christ Himself would say.
Jesus would best explain how to receive these spiritual blessings in the Beatitudes, when he was giving His sermon on the mount. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3). Meaning the humble in spirit.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4). They mourn by knowing the truth and seeing what others of the world are doing. Mourn for the lost and unlearned. (Isaiah 61:2).
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5). Again we are speaking of those who are humble in spirit.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6). Those who are well fed with the truth, not traditions of men. If you study God's Word, you will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7). Those who are compassionate towards others, will receive compassion from God.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8). Those who are pure in mind. "Seeing is knowing His Word."
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Matthew 5:9). Those who strive for peace and peace of mind in this troubled world.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10). Persecuted for teaching God's Word. Never worry if you are teaching the truth of His Word, because God will take care of you. "The blessings will be yours and towards others who hear your message."
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. (Matthew 5:11). When you teach the truth of God's Word, you will be talked about and falsely accused. People will look for every fault they can against you. Again, don't worry, God takes care of His own. "We are here to please God, not man."
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (Matthew 5:12). Don't let it bother you and continue to teach the truth. Remember that there were many before you who were persecuted for the same thing. You get the blessings (reward in heaven), just as the prophets before you.
Did you notice that these are all "spiritual blessings" and not material blessings. Remember what we learned in (Matthew 6:33). But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Focus on the spiritual blessings and our Heavenly Father will always give you what you need to succeed in life.
Now, what happens when we ask God about blessings for others? This is the cool part about putting others before yourself. As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. (2 Corinthians 9:9). Help the poor and your deeds will be remembered forever. This applies to the poor in spirit also. "Share a truth and reap the rewards." Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9). i.e. Don't repay evil with evil towards another. Pay them back with a blessing, and God will bless you for it. The perfect example of this can be found in the book of Job. After everything Job went through, and with his friends putting him down, he still prayed for them. What did God do with Job? And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. (Job 42:10). "God rewarded Job big time." (Spiritually, and the material blessings followed). Our Heavenly Father is always fair, and He loves to see when you care and have compassion for His children. I have a saying as I pass by people in my everyday travels. "Everyone deserves a blessing." (Just my opinion). But, keep in mind, a blessing towards another, is a blessing for yourself.
Keep The Faith,Barton