TO BLESS, BLESSINGS (an act that is done on bended knee) It has two important components INVOKES FAVOR overgenerous

support or gift = GRACE CONSECRATES sacred/solemn commitment to a cherished purpose = LAW So, why is it so important? There are three areas of attack upon Christians which come in the form of the enemy, our own mind, and the cares of the world. John 10:10 says this... The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy (render useless); I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. How or what does he attack? Matthew 13:3-8 says this... Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a cropa hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Then Jesus (Matthew 13:16) said But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. Then He began to explain the parable (Matthew 13:19-23). When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown." Birds try to eat the seeds, snatches away or steals (STEAL the word of truth) The plants may become withered, lost from troubles or persecution (KILL our faith) Choking weeds might surround the plant, worries and deceitfulness or wealth (DESTROY our relationship with God) God has armed us with a simple prayer to combat any and all attacks. The prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:10). Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. So, when the circumstances of this world tries to destroy our influence, we counter with enlarge my territory When our mind and unwarranted pride attempts to kill our relationship with Jesus, we pray let your hand be with me And when the enemy looks to steal whatever God given truth is a part of us, we ask keep me from harm Therefore, we now know where the troubles come from (world, mind, enemy), what it does to us (destroy, kill, steal), and a quick effective responsive and proactive prayer. And in this way we may produce a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. (Isaiah 55:10-13) says it best... As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the LORD's renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever. I ask that we may be a mighty blessing and be greatly blessed (AMEN)