A Note from Michael Gossett
“Consider the Blessing”
When you think about the word blessing, what comes to your mind? We often think of a blessing in material ways. We believe that a blessing is something that can be gained here on earth. This thinking isn’t wrong; it is simply incomplete. Every blessing received in this life should not be captivating to the point of sin, instead it should cause us to maintain loyalty to the One who supplied that blessing. The problem with earthly blessings is that they have a tendency to whet our appetite for more instead of promoting an attitude of thankfulness for what we have. However, when we experience any blessing, it is necessary to align that blessing with God’s desires as seen through the lens of the Gospel.
Like us, Jesus’ disciples had a tendency to miss the point of earthly blessings. The moment the disciples were called to follow Jesus, they were not met with luxury here on earth. They were welcomed to a different lifestyle, which required them to leave the security of their jobs to follow Jesus. Following Jesus did not create a life of social or economic status. They experienced a life of deprivation, becoming the poorest of the poor. They were exposed to suffering, affliction, hunger and thirst. They left a life of stability to experience a life of instability. Yet, Jesus called them blessed.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:3-12, CSB).
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus revealed a completely different concept about what constitutes a real blessing. We consider a blessing to be something that can be provided for us here on earth. However, a blessing is much greater. Those who are blessed are those who are in the Kingdom of Heaven. By virtue of citizenship in God’s Kingdom, they are comforted, they inherit the earth, and they are filled with mercy. Jesus promised that they would see God and be called the Sons of God. He clarified that their reward would not be in this life, but it will be in heaven. This truth from Jesus goes beyond the temporal, earthly realm, and extends into the heavens for all eternity. Be sure that you don’t settle for the blessings of this life only to miss the eternal life that Jesus has for you.
To fully appreciate the nature of God’s blessings, how would you answer these personal questions? Do your actions match God’s definition of a blessing? What are you pursuing most? Are you pursuing the rewards of the earth or the rewards of heaven? What demands most of your time – the rewards of the earth or of heaven? What takes most of your finances – the rewards of the earth or of heaven? What requires most of your resources and energy- things of earth or things of heaven?
Jesus gives us this understanding of blessing so we won’t miss out on living a life of fullness instead of trading it for a life of emptiness. When I look back in 30-40 years – or however long the Lord gives me – I want to see a life that was emptied out for the sake of the Gospel so that I can be filled with Him. Pray with me that it would be true of us as His Church. Pray that we will be a people emptied of ourselves so that we may be filled by His Spirit.
MIDWEEK at Green Acres
Join us on Wednesday nights for a time of enrichment, encouragement, and equipping. Did you know that we have an incredible line up on Wednesday nights to help you grow in your relationship with Christ? I want to personally invite you to NAVIGATE which is led by our newly appointed Associate Pastor, Hixon Frank. Hixon, as he serves in this new role, is leading out in several areas of the church including family and marriage. He and his wife, Margie, are leading a class on Wednesday nights called, NAVIGATE. This is a time of discipleship and growth in the area of marriage. Everyone wants a better marriage. Everyone wants a great marriage. But, how do we navigate all that the enemy throws at us that is attempting to steal that away? This class is designed to help you have the tools and the biblical fortitude to build a marriage that honors Christ. Join us at 6:00PM in LH 361. No registration is required and there is no cost to attend. Just show up if you want to learn how to upgrade your marriage.
I also want to invite you to WEBS. This is our weekly Wednesday Evening Bible Study that starts at 6:00pm in Crosswalk A. We cover an array of biblical topics that I am sure will be of benefit to you. This is for all, at any age, and any stage of life.
SINGLE & PARENTING WEDNESDAYS Join us for a 13-week study in God’s provision and plan for single-parent families. This is a video and discussion-based gathering facilitated by Scott Graning. It is open to any single parent with children of any age. The group meets in LH 352 at 6pm.
SENIOR ADULT WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY meets Wednesdays from 10-11am in Crosswalk-A. Join the senior adults every Wednesday for Bible study, led by Ken Warren. There is a 15% discount on lunch specials at the Connections Café afterwards. No registration – just show up and be ready to learn!
AUTHENTIC MANHOOD.This powerful Bible Study is based on a 12-week video series by Pastor Tim Hawks, with a small group discussion led by Dean Delleney at Adult Ministry Building 105 Wednesdays from 6-7pm. The topics include Biblical Definition of Manhood, Healing the Father Wound, Moving Beyond Mom to Manhood, The Role a father plays in the lives of sons & daughters, etc.
CORE – Identity and Purpose This study for men a 10-week video-based discussion curriculum led by Walter Ballou at Adult Ministry Building 103 from 6-7pm. You will hear from 10 men of various walks of life (military, professional athletes, businessmen) that have experienced redemption and transformation. They will challenge you to discover and own your identity and purpose in Christ.
If you are curious about MIDWEEK, we have something for all ages! For more information go to gabc.org/mdwk.
THIS SUNDAY!
This week, we continue our study in the book of Hebrews and will look specifically at Hebrews 4:14-16, and we will learn about A GREATER SYMPATHY. Here is the text so you can read the passage and begin to pray for God to speak to us through His word.
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16, CSB)
Begin reading, praying, and anticipating for the Lord to teach us about the sympathy of Christ and how that affects you and me today.
You are loved and prayed for!
Michael Gossett