I wonder does any one know how we can tell when one has been blessed of GOD? The answer should be simple when one has become born from above that is spiritually and is now one in GOD's Family. Their spiritual heart eyes and ears have been opened is our answer, these people see and hear what most others do not, even while reading their Bible. As it now has new purpose and meaning. It takes on a new character within them as we eat of the divine words of manna and drink in of its light as living waters that refresh our soul. This is known as living in abundance, spiritual abundance, which is my next targeted subject. But first for Pastor Hoekstra and his use of king David as a man of abundance of Grace for life. The with the use of the ESV translation and under the LORD's watchful eye I will look at our promise abundance of spiritual Gifts.
"Even More on David and the Lord's Lovingkindness"
"How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house." (Psalm 36:7-8)
"We have been meditating from Old Testament passages upon GOD's lovingkindness (a term very much like the word grace in the New Testament). We have been considering verses from David's life and testimony. David treasured the lovingkindness of the LORD. "How precious is Your lovingkindness, O GOD!" An understanding of the far-reaching implications of the LORD's lovingkindness given him this perspective. David learned that the LORD's lovingkindness (His zealous, steadfast love for His people) drew hearts to seek GOD for His gracious protection, a life of abundance. "Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings." David also knew that GOD's lovingkindness fully satisfies hungry hearts that seek the LORD's fullness. "They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house." The ancient meaning for "house" as used here means, the family name is the mark of the family patriarch, such as the house of Abraham or house of GOD. The mark for the house means, "in" or "with," under its shelter, as a shelter is protection from the elements. The household lives within the structures framework. The framework is that of Christ, the LORD's Gospel.
Man is so needy, and GOD has so much to give. The needs of man could hardly be overstated. The resources of GOD could only be understated. Words like emptiness and deficiency describe humanity. Words like fullness and abundance describe our GOD. Mans humanity cries out for his Creator from deep within him and these without words but cries of deepest anguish many times to the point of depression for lack of GOD's presence.
Man begins his human existence in spiritual bankruptcy (born in sin and ready to pursue ungodliness and for many lawlessness). "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me . . . The wicked are estranged from the womb; They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies" (Psalm 51:5 and 58:3). For these desperate needs, the LORD has forgiveness and salvation. "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered . . . The LORD is . . . my salvation" (Psalm 32:1 and 18:2). Yet, once redeemed, man still must not look to himself, nor to the world from which he came.
"My soul thirsts for You . . . in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water" (Psalm 63:1). The LORD must be the new supply for the new man. Like David, we must find what we need from "the fullness of [GOD's] house." When we look to GOD's fullness to replace our inadequacy, our bankruptcy, we will find today the same spiritual satisfaction that David testified about long ago. "My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips" (Psalm 63:5). We also will rejoice, because we will be "abundantly satisfied."
Spiritual Abundance, GOD's Gift:
Abundant Joy,
Psalm 36:5-9 "Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mountains of GOD; Your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast You save, O LORD. How precious is Your steadfast love, O GOD! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light."
Abundant Life,
John 10:1-10 (Jesus is speaking) "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To Him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear His voice, and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. When He has brought out all His own, He goes before them, and the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from Him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what He was saying to them. So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Abundant Grace,
2Corithinas 9:6-15 "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for GOD loves a cheerful giver. God is able to make all Grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, "He has distributed freely, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever." He Who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to GOD. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to GOD. By their approval of this service, they will glorify GOD because of your submission that comes from your confession of the Gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing Grace of GOD upon you. Thanks be to GOD for His inexpressible gift!"
Abundant Power,
Ephesians 3:14-19, 20-21 "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from Whom every Family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of His glory HE may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of GOD.Now to Him Who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church (Family) and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Abundant Supply,
Philippians 4:15-20 "You yourselves also know, Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to GOD. My GOD will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our GOD and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen."
Abundant Entrance,
2Peter 1:1-11 "Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our GOD and Savior Jesus Christ: may Grace and Peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of GOD and of Jesus our LORD. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him Who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which HE has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of His divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our LORD, Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ."
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