Hey #JustWrite!! We've FALLin into another month and we will be discussing the book, "Double Blessings." by author Mark Batterson. Batterson expresses that God doesn't give us increase so we can appear to be on a pedestal and elevate ourselves. What God gives us is for the act of giving. "God doesn't bless us to raise our standard of living. God blesses us to raise our standard of giving, and that's where true joy is found. " "We flip the blessing by blessing others in the way God has blessed us." It's like the difference between happiness and joy. Most of us seek to be happy but never consider the beauty of joy. Happiness is fleeting and circumstantial while true joy comes from a place of an everlasting peace despite the outlook. So what does the Bible say about a double blessing? Isaiah 61:7 states, “For your shame YOU SHALL HAVE DOUBLE; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall POSSESS THE DOUBLE: everlasting joy shall be unto them.” A recent encounter brought this full circle as I made a split decision at the last minute to change up my daily routine. In the midst, I struck up a conversation where I was speaking in general about what's been happening in the city. I was even asked if I attended a particular school in the area which led to another topic. As I was speaking, a unique connection was formed where the other person inquired if I knew of any positions within the area of interest. I proceeded to do some research and came across a role that was perfect and specific to the desired job. Another connection happened where we realized we knew the same person from my hometown. It all stemmed from recognizing an area code. The person proceeds to tells me that the day we met was a blessing and how it was God that allowed our paths to cross based off the fact we both decided to change up our day. Furthermore, we both agreed that blessings aren't always financial. Blessings come in the form of the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Blessings also come in the form of good health, strength, sound mind, compassion, etc.
Remember, the greatest blessing from God was as follows: "As far as God was concerned, the greatest blessing he could give man was deliverance from the grip of sin through the ministry of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the angel said to Joseph concerning Mary's unborn child: "You shall call his name Jesus for he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:20-21) The double blessing is we as believers get to share this blessing with others. Join us Tuesday, September 27 at 6pm for our monthly discussion. "We are blessed to bless."
In His service,
Lequvia Ousley
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