Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”
I am selfish.
I want all the blessings that God has for me. Knowing that there is something to be done on my part to receive those blessings makes it even more enjoyable because I get to take part.
To receive a blessing as it pertains to this portion of scripture is to read the words of this prophecy, hear them, and then keep them. It sounds much too simple. Many would easily dismiss this, saying, “Of course I read the Bible.” failing to do the latter parts.
Hearing and keeping are two very distinct things once we read. Comprehension of what we read and putting it into action takes more effort than some want to give. For some, we know what the Bible teaches about giving.
It all starts with the tithe. To give a tenth of all our increase is like paying rent on the air we breathe, the clothes we wear, and the food we eat.
2 Corinthians 8:11 “Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.”
God never will exact from us that which we cannot do. We must obey, again, wanting the blessings that accompany our obedience.
Malachi 3:10-11 “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.”
Blessings promised that when they come, there will not be room enough to receive it. It sounds like a fair exchange, right? Some are satisfied with knowing that truth while others experience it by performing the doing of it.
The very last part of the passage thins morning says:
“…for the time is at hand.”
No time to dally, wallow or rest. The time is now, and not just for the simple obedience of tithing our income, but complete and utter submission to obey God. Time to put off the old man and put on the new.
Ephesians 4:22-24 “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
Often, we are well-meaning with our intentions, but fail to follow through. The deception is that we think of ourselves more highly than we ought when a very sober perspective is needed.
What is it today, as we begin this week, that has been put off, awaiting money, or the right time? Let us purpose today that we will put off the former conversation – which for most of us, is the excuses we make for why we aren’t as prosperous as we think ourselves to be.
Take up a unit of measure by which to set a mark from which to grow. Where are you now, and what are you doing for the Lord? Is it what He has called you to do? Is it what He has given you gifts and talents to use for His glory?
Then, find out what is your next step. That next step cannot be compared to anyone else. In doing so, we become foolish. Wisdom is in working within the realm of just me and God; what He expects of me and what I am doing to fulfill that expectation.
Then, it all rises and falls on our obedience to what we’ve been given. It removes the opportunity to shift the blame onto someone else. The control is squarely on our shoulders.
Every Sunday should be a day of new beginnings for the child of God. A new week to accomplish more for His glory. One day closer to seeing Him. One more opportunity to win souls to Christ. One more breath to give Him praise.
Psalm 118:24 “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
It is a day to rejoice and be glad!
Daily Manna 