The Blessing & The Curse - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) August 23, 2022
Blessings and curses. They can be hard to wrap our heads around especially in this day and age. That's because we believe we're the creators of our destiny. We feel we can manufacture whatever future we desire.
How many of us realize that things aren't that straightforward? Each of us knows of someone who did everything 'right' and yet it seemed like the odds weren't in their favor. This person goes to church, believes in God but things don't work out for them. Then there are Christians who seemingly accomplish the impossible. And without much stress. You look at them and wonder, 'how did they do it?"
Is it possible that something so archaic as blessings and curses could make the difference in such situations?
Christians ignore the fact that the Bible contains not just blessings but curses. Many are familiar of the Blessings of Abraham. He obeyed God and left his father for an unknown land. And the Lord told Him he'd have kings and queens for children (Genesis 17:6). That these children would number the sand on the shore (Genesis 22:17). Till this date, Christians claim the Abrahamic blessings, singing, "Abraham's blessings are mine" (Galatians 3:14).
The Bible is filled with examples of curses as well. The Kingdom of Israel experienced a three-year drought during the reign of King Ahab (1 Kings 18:1). Do you know why? Because God warned that if the people turned to other gods the rains wouldn't fall (Deuteronomy 28:23-24). On the other hand, He promised the righteous that they'll receive rain in season when they serve only Him and obey His laws (Deuteronomy 28:12). Thus, when Ahab and his wife Jezebel, bowed to idols and other gods such as Baal and Asherah, they opened themselves, their children and their people to the curse of drought and much more.
Over the next few days, we'll learn about specific blessings and curses. We'll learn how to declare certain blessings over ourselves and others. We'll also learn how to deliver ourselves, and others, from curses.
May the Lord guide us and bless us with His wisdom. May our understanding expand whereby we confidently step into the outstanding blessings He has for us, IJMN, Amen. See you at Noon EST for fellowship when we'll worship and petition for others via intercessory prayers. God bless you..
To learn more about blessings and obedience, consider reading this old P&P message - Deuteronomy 28 Blessings & Requirements - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) September 24, 2021
*LAST 10 MINUTES* As noted in the original message, we are looking at blessings and curses. I am learning that one can give their life to Christ, be serving the Lord, and living righteously only to notice that certain areas of their life will not reflect the fullness of God's promises and blessings. When that happens, it is crucial to take a look at oneself and possibly one's family, then ask God for understanding as to what may be a blockage to enjoying the fullness of life promised in John 10:10. When we do that, then we wait and watch God begin to turn everything around for our good. An issue at a time, He'll lift the gates and open doors in…