Encouragement

BORN TO BE BLESSED

by Minoli Haththotuwa
12/29/16
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Born To Be Blessed (Luke 1: 26-31)

“Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David.  The virgin’s name was Mary.  And having coming in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you: blessed are you among women!  But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.  Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son and shall call His name Jesus.”

You may have read or heard this passage of scripture many times during this festive season but receive it afresh today, as God gives you four reasons why you can rejoice as you step into the new year. When the angel Gabriel came to young Mary in the city of Galilee more than two thousand years ago, she heard things which changed her life forever. The Holy Spirit wants to do the same for you today. He wants to change the way you see yourself. He wants to take you to the higher place that God has decreed for you.

You are highly favored. Mary was told that she was “highly favored” and that she had “found favor” with God. People seek the favor of leaders and people of influence all the time, when they could know and bask in the favor of the King of kings. God's favor comes upon those who are in relationship with Him, those who set their hearts to seek His face and walk through life with Him. Divine favor is another expression of God's unconditional love, and not something we could earn or work for. It is a special place of grace which opens heavenly doors and takes us into the fullness of our blessing. He is calling each of us His precious sons and daughters into deeper relationship, and to know Him as He knows us. It is the invitation of a loving Father, who happens to be the most powerful Person in the universe. Every promotion comes from Him, and every good connection that leads us into a better place simply because of His favor and His amazing grace. You are His much loved, favored child!

The Lord is with you. Mary was a Godly girl who knew and feared the Lord, but it is possible that she never really felt the presence of the Lord with her in her daily life until that day she met the angel Gabriel and experienced the power of the Holy Spirit coming upon her life. Many of us “know” the Lord and talk to Him, but today the Holy Spirit calls us into the deeper waters of His grace. He draws our eyes to His gaze as He says “My precious child, I am with you. Look into My eyes, look into My face. Breathe Me in and feel My presence every moment of every day. I love you so extremely, and I am with you always.” If we could see and believe that God is always with us, we would never be discouraged or defeated, or feel we are under attack. We would truly feel strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! You and God are a mighty force dear friend, and because He is for you (and with you), there is no one who can stand against you. Step into the new year knowing that God is going with you, is always with you and that He has already prepared the way. It is going to be so good all the way!

You are blessed! Mary was divinely chosen to be the mother of the Son of Man. She was blessed among all other women on the face of the earth. To be chosen by God and touched by His grace is a blessing indeed, and you and I are recipients of this amazing grace. We could have lived our whole lives and never known the blessing of sins forgiven and the power of the cross, but Jesus redeemed us and brought us in. We are joint heirs with Him, partakers of the Kingdom and all that Heaven holds. There is no good thing that He would withhold from those who trust in Him and call upon His name. We are already blessed with everything we could ever need (Ephesians 1:6) because we have Him, and His living River flows from our innermost being. We are the sons and daughters of the King. Dear friend, you are blessed not stressed, and you are heading for higher ground!

4) You were born for fruitfulness. When the Holy Spirit came upon Mary, her womb received the seed of Heaven and the Word became flesh within her. The favor and presence of God was upon her and it brought blessing and fruitfulness not only to her but to the countless millions of people for all time, who come to know God's saving grace in Jesus. We were born to be fruitful, to progress and to increase. From the beginning of the world, God blessed His people to be fruitful and multiply. This is His will and His desire – that His children prosper, and that the world sees God's love and blessing in their lives and seek Him too. There is something awesome waiting to explode and multiply in your life as you connect with this word and receive it. You were born for fruitfulness!

Dear friend, God wants you to know that you have nothing to fear. If you could receive and agree with these four reasons to rejoice, your 2017 is going to be really amazing and filled with glory. You will overcome every challenge, and walk on the higher ground God has decreed for you, seeing progressive fruitfulness in every area of your life. You were born to be blessed. You were born for victory and fruitfulness. God is with you and you are completely loved every moment of every day. You are the very precious and chosen child of God, walking in His amazing grace and favor! Breathe in His love and blessing into every part of your life today, and feel the presence of the precious Holy Spirit in a whole new way. I declare you are stepping into your place of favor and fruitfulness in 2017. The joy of the Lord shall be your strength! Be blessed, be blessed, in Jesus' name, amen!

Minoli Haththotuwa, 29 December 2016
www.risingonwings.org