Great Blessing
The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. Acts 4:33
I have a blessed life! It is very evident to me. Not everyone can see it on me, but I know it is there and I continue to see God’s blessings all around me each day. It is not necessarily in material things, God’s blessing shows up as peace in my everyday life. In the book of Proverbs there is one definition of blessing. In Proverbs 10:22 is says: The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. Again, God’s blessing is not worldly wealth, but simply richness in all aspects of life. From relationships to everything you put your hand on brings success and abundance in all areas. God not only blesses with His goodness, He also keeps sorrow from you. Even though storms may rage around you, when you live your life in God’s blessing, His perfect peace covers you.
Today’s key verse talks about God’s blessing on the first New Testament church. In fact, it says that they were greatly blessed. As wonderful as God’s blessing is, apparently there can be a greater amount of it. Everything that the first church had to go through with persecutions, imprisonment and even martyrdom, it is safe to say they needed that added grace for the harsh times they lived in. Even while facing the constant tension of wondering who may be the next one arrested, with the help of the Holy Spirit and God’s great blessing, they were able to hold on to the peace of God and maintain the growth of the church throughout all the world.
The passage goes on to talk about where their focus was, and I believe this is crucial to walking in the blessing of God’s peace. These new believers were focused on taking care of each other and making sure there were no needy people among them. They all came together and supported one another and encouraged each other every day. Even amid all the turmoil of the times, they were focused on loving and caring for the church people more than what could possibly happen to them if they were detained.
I can’t help feeling that this could be the reason we do not see and feel more of God’s great blessing on us today. If we begin to get our eyes on others and off of self, our focus will shift to allow God’s great blessing and peace to enter everyday life.
Today I want to encourage you to open up your life and heart to God’s blessing flow and let the peace of God rule in your heart that adds no sorrow to your life. Change your focus today from what seems important to you and take on God’s agenda instead. Begin to notice those hurting around you and discover the many ways you can help. Then you will open up the way for God’s great blessing to fill your life and your home. Nothing will be able to distract you or knock you off course and the peace of God will guide your every move.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 4:33
32 All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.
33 The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all.
34 There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them
35 and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.
36 For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus.
37 He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.
The Daily Dose 