God's Blessing in 2007
What do I need to do in order to be blessed by God in 2007? Anything? After all, isn't God's grace (and blessing) free? We sure work hard to teach this concept in a culture thoroughly steeped in "salvation by works". And we also work hard to combat the "evangelical" version that God can be manipulated into blessing you financially and physically: the highly prevalent "name and claim it by faith" theology.
And yet, Biblically speaking, it seems to me that I can surely open the door for God to bless me, should He decide to, though I cannot coerce Him by any amount of positive thinking and faith. Just as I can also keep that door shut by my own attitudes and actions. I have actually experienced both!
So, what does God want from me? Duet. 6:5 says He wants my heart, my soul, and my strength. Indeed, Jesus said this would sum up all that God wants from me (Mt. 22:40). Not asking much, is He? Just EVERYTHING!
My heart: the seat of my emotions and motives;
my soul: the seat of my thoughts and will;
and my strength: the physical results and actions.
What do I get in return? Well, EVERYTHING! Least of all, I will help keep open the door for His blessing in 2007.
