Category Archives: Miscellaneous

In previous posts we considered how God wants us as His people to bless others as we have been blessed. We can find some good lessons in Ephesians 1 about our blessings in Christ Jesus.

Lessons from Ephesians 1 of How We Have Been Blessed

Take some time to reflect on what Ephesians 1 teaches us about how we are blessed.

1. We are blessed by God in Christ Jesus.

• the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us (Eph. 1:3)
• through Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:5)
• freely given us in the One he loves (Eph. 1:6)
• in him we have (Eph. 1:7)
• in Christ (Eph. 1:9)
• under Christ (Eph. 1:10)
• in Christ, in him (Eph. 1:13)

2. We are blessed with every spiritual blessing.

• blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph. 1:3)
• adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:5)
• glorious grace, freely given us (Eph. 1:6)
• redemption through his blood (Eph. 1:7)
• the forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7)
• marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13)
• guaranteeing our inheritance (Eph. 1:14)

3. We are blessed in accordance with the sovereign and purposeful will of God.

• he chose us in him before the creation of the world (Eph. 1:4)
• he predestined us for (Eph. 1:5)
• in accordance with his pleasure and will (Eph. 1:5)
• with all wisdom and understanding (Eph. 1:8)
• according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ (Eph. 1:9)
• to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment (Eph. 1:10)
• having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will (Eph. 1:11)

4. We are blessed for a reason beyond ourselves.

• to be holy and blameless in his sight (Eph. 1:4)
• to the praise of his glorious grace (Eph. 1:6)
• to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ (Eph. 1:10)
• in order that we … might be for the praise of his glory (Eph. 1:12)
• to the praise of his glory (Eph. 1:14)

5. We are blessed out of the good heart of God.

• in love … (Eph. 1:4)
• in accordance with his pleasure and will (Eph. 1:5)
• grace, which he has freely given us (Eph. 1:6)
• in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us (Eph. 1:7-8a)
• according to his good pleasure (Eph. 1:9)

With blessings from a good and gracious God, we have all we need to live a purposeful life as a blessing to others. — “Praise God from whom all blessings flow!'”

We previously established that God wants His people to be a blessing to others, resulting in praise and glory to Him and the building up of the people we bless. Treating others with the kind of grace and love He has shown us, however, doesn’t come naturally. We must ask what it takes to be a blessing to others.

Components for What it Takes to be a Blessing to Others

Since blessing others goes beyond mere vocalization of the words “God bless you” to authentically demonstrating His love and grace, we must consider all the components that go in to the ability to do so.

1) The Mental Component to Being a Blessing: Be Intentional

Hebrews 13:16 exhorts us, “do not forget to do good and to share with others”, suggesting that we need mental reminders to bless others.

We might forget because we get so busy and consumed with our own lives and needs. Blessing others may require intentionally making time for one another. What can we do to set up reminders to look outside of ourselves?

Forgetting to do good to others also happens when we forget the blessings of God in our own lives. If we don’t keep God’s grace and mercy toward us in the forefront of our minds, we’ll tend to overlook verses like: “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matt. 10:8) “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Eph. 4:32)

2) The Heart Component: Be a Humble Servant

Doing good and sharing with others emulates the heart of our Lord “who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Phil. 2:1-4)

Blessing others may mean laying aside our own interests and conveniences for the good of others, giving of our time and resources. To this end doing good and sharing with others is considered a sacrifice, and according to Hebrews 13:16, “with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

3) The Spiritual Component: Be Equipped to be a Blessing

Since the kind of blessing God wants us to be doesn’t come naturally, we need Him to work in and through us. — “Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Heb. 13:20-21)

Also keep in mind that God uses Scripture to thoroughly equip us for good works (2 Tim. 3:16-17). He uses His Word to renew our minds so a transformation takes place (Rom. 12:2) and to adjust our heart attitudes, propelling us toward Christlikeness in the way we treat others. — “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12)

We live in a self-centered, self-serving world. God, however, wants His people to be a blessing to others. That doesn’t just include those we like, those who agree with us, or those who have been good to us, but also those who seem hard to love, with whom we disagree, or who have wronged us. Jesus commands us, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Lk. 6:27-28). He goes on to say, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. …” (Lk. 6:32-34)

Why We Should Bless Others

We have something to offer others because God has first “blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). We are “enriched in every way so that we can be generous on every occasion” (2 Cor. 9:11). We are comforted by God so we in turn “can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

We are blessed so we can be a blessing to others. This has been God’s way for His people to respond as seen even back to Abraham. God said, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing … all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Gen 12:2-3)

What it Means to be a Blessing to Others

To bless others, then, is to extend God’s grace to them as we too have been recipients of grace (Eph. 4:29, 1 Pet. 4:10). To bless others is to show them the love of God that we ourselves have experienced (Jn. 13:34; 1 Jn. 3:14-18).

We’re exhorted, “let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 Jn. 3:18). Here are some ways we can be a blessing to others by extending His love and grace to them:

• speaking uplifting and encouraging words that “benefit those who listen” (Eph. 4:29)
• living authentically and honestly (Eph. 4:14-15; Col. 3:9; 1 Jn. 3:18)
• being kind and compassionate (Eph. 4:32)
• being hospitable, making people feel warmth and welcome (Rom. 12:13)
• sharing of our resources to meet needs (financial and otherwise) (Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:16)
• answering kindly to those who speak wrongly to or about us (1 Cor. 4:12-13; 1 Pet. 3:9)
• doing good to those who have done wrong to us (Lk. 6:27-28; 1 Pet. 3:9)
• forgiving those who have wronged us (Eph. 4:32)
• praying with gratitude for people and letting them know you’re praying for them (2 Cor. 1:11; Eph. 1:16; Col. 1:3; 1 Thess. 1:2)

What Happens When We’ve Blessed Others

When we’re a blessing to others, God is pleased (Heb. 13:16) and glorified (Matt. 5:16), often resulting in thanksgiving to God (2 Cor. 9:12-13).

As we bless others, it just might spur them on to bless someone else to love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24). As we follow the example of Christ, they can follow our example (1 Cor. 11:1).

And, though we aren’t to bless others for our personal benefit, remembering Jesus’ words that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts. 20:35), God does reward us for the good we have shown (Prov. 11:25; 19:17; Lk. 6:38; Heb. 6:10; 2 Cor. 9:6). The reward may not always come immediately or be a tangible reward but He “will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (Heb. 6:10).

Since all this can happen as a result of us being a blessing to others, we need to ask what it will take for us to become more and more of that kind of blessing — the topic of the next post.

For help on specific ways we can bless others, check out this resource: People Helping Ministry Manual

In a previous post we looked at what Proverbs 3:5-8 teaches us about what lining up with God means and why it matters. We need help to maintain such a dependence on Him that we wholeheartedly yield to His ways instead of relying on our own thoughts and pursuing our own agendas.

3 Resources We Have for Learning How to Come into Alignment with God

God isn’t going to command us to trust Him with our whole heart and fail to show us how. Here are three resources He provides for us.

1) Congruence with the Word of God

We have a written, authoritative, reliable Textbook.

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isa. 55:9-11)

Since God knows more than we do and since His ways are best, it only makes sense to line up with what He says. In addition, lining up with God by adhering to His Word comes with PROMISED RESULTS.

The precepts and principles in the Bible provide a grid through which all else must be filtered because of whose Word it is and the life-changing potential it brings.

• Lining up with God by living congruent with His Word makes it all worthwhile because we know He will use it in some way.

2) Consistency with the Character of God

We have a living Example to follow who is our sure foundation.

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal. (Is. 26:3-4)

We can’t always find a specific verse that addresses every situation in life or every decision we must make. Sometimes we must look at principles in His Word. Sometimes we must look at God Himself … His attributes. God will never ask us to do anything inconsistent with His character. When we keep focused on God, we are PROMISED PEACE.

When we make decisions or respond in ways consistent with the character of God, we are standing on a solid foundation (Ps. 40:2-3).

• Lining up with a God who is all we need, and not simply submitting to a set of commands, provides a confidence that takes us to a higher level.

3) Controlled by the Spirit of God

We have a Helper within us to teach us and guide us.

Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (Eph. 5:15-18)

Where are we going to get the wisdom we need to make the most of every opportunity? The Holy Spirit came to live within us as our Counselor (Jn. 14:16, 26). Where are we going to get the power we need to do what we know we should do? The Holy Spirit came to live within us as our Power source (Acts 1:8; Eph. 3:16; Gal. 5:16).

As wine can take over and control a person, so we need to be filled with the Spirit of God (Eph. 5:18). Our part is to walk with, or live by, the Spirit, to “keep in step with the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16, 25). When we do, we get what we need — PROMISED PERSPECTIVE AND POWER.

• Lining up with God seems possible because we know we are not on our own.

So, “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him …” (Prov. 3:5-6). He makes lining up with Him not only worthwhile but also possible. He promises to give us what we need to do so.

Proverbs 3:5-6 provides a good reminder of lining up with God and not relying on ourselves or human wisdom.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

What Lining Up with God Means

If we break down the above verses, we can better grasp what’s required to align with God.

1) Trust in the Lord.

We need to see God for the Great God He is. We’re not going to line up with someone we don’t hold to be true, right, and worthy of following.

2) Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

We can’t be on again and off again in our pursuit and expect to remain in alignment with Him. God is a worthy standard to follow all of the time and in every way. Consequently, there isn’t any area to withhold our trust in Him. He won’t let us down so we’re safe to wholeheartedly pursue His ways.

3) Lean not on your own understanding.

We trust Him as One with unlimited understanding, who is always right. His thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isa. 55:9) so it’s foolish to “be wise in your own eyes” (Prov. 3:7). We have limited understanding and we can be wrong.

4) In all your ways submit to him.

Even when we don’t understand God’s ways, we still align with Him. We don’t pick and choose which of His ways to follow.

Why Alignment with God Matters

To know why it’s important to line up with God, look at the results in Proverbs 3:6-8.

1) He will make your paths straight. (Prov. 3:6)

We have sure footing.

2) This will bring health to your body … (Prov. 3:8)

We find strength and stability.

3) This will bring … nourishment to your bones. (Prov. 3:8)

We have the sustenance needed to remain strong.

We’ve considered what it means to line up with God and why it matters. Look at the next post for how to come into alignment with Him.

If people look at us as followers of Jesus Christ, do they see something worthwhile? Do we have a walk with God that makes a difference?

Or, do our lives seem empty and without meaning? Do we fall apart when life gets tough? Do we live more in line with what’s comfortable or convenient to us than to the benefit of others? Do we fail to look like the One we claim to follow?

An Acrostic of Essential Characteristics Needed in a Walk with God That Makes a Difference

Here is the kind of walk that will tend to catch people’s attention and give them a reason to trust in our God. It’s a walk that lives out the fullness of the life Jesus came to give us, one that makes a difference.

WISDOM: We can know all about God and His Word, but if we don’t see the practical implications or relevancy of that knowledge to our everyday living, we will struggle (Col. 1:9-10). We may still feel bound to the emptiness of life because we haven’t learned to walk in the freedom He provides. Contrary to what many people believe, His truth sets us free (Jn. 8:32). In Him we find wisdom for everyday life so we make the most of every opportunity (Eph. 5:15-17; Col. 4:5). — a walk that makes life meaningful

Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. (Ps. 86:11)

I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. (Ps. 119:45)

AWARENESS: What a difference it makes when we acknowledge the presence of an all-wise, all-powerful, totally righteous yet loving and gracious God in our lives. He promised to never leave or forsake us (Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5). Awareness of the presence of this kind of God leads to hope, comfort, peace, and confidence even in the most difficult circumstances. — a walk that gives a mooring to hold onto

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Ps. 23:4)

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. (Ps. 89:15)

LOVE: Jesus identified love as the greatest commandment (Matt. 22:37-40). Without love, our best efforts mean nothing (1 Cor. 13:1-3). We can live a life of love and compassion for others because He first loved us (1 Jn. 4:19). His love compels us to go the extra mile, even when it’s not convenient or comfortable. — a walk that provides motivation and purpose

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. (Eph. 5:2, KJV)

KENOSIS: When we’re asked to serve one another in love rather than living an empty life of self-indulgence (Gal. 5:13), we’re not left on our own to figure out how. Jesus showed us the way to live. This theological word, kenosis, describes how Jesus temporarily laid aside His glory in heaven and humbled Himself to come to earth for us as a servant (Phil. 2:5-11). To walk in the footsteps of Jesus, we must realize that this process was as much an attitude as it was an action. — a walk that is modeled

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Phil. 2:5-7)

 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. (1 Jn. 2:6)

Do these traits characterize your walk with God? If we’re being honest, we would have to admit a need to grow in our walk with Him. — “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Phil. 3:12)

Click links below for help growing in your walk with God:

• Devotional Guides on Walking the Walk
• Other Resources