People are truly blessed when their spiritual eyes are opened to recognize JESUS CHRIST, when their hearts are surrendered to GOD, when they walk by the HOLY SPIRIT, and when they obey and proclaim the WORD of GOD.
GOD Opens Our Eyes
In Luke 24, two disciples were walking on the road to Emmaus. JESUS Himself came near and walked with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing Him at first (Luke 24:15–16). Later, when He broke bread with them, their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him (Luke 24:30–31). This teaches us that JESUS may be near, yet we still need GOD to open our spiritual eyes.
GOD Gives a New Heart
2 Peter 1:5–9 warns that a person who lacks godly qualities is spiritually blind. Galatians 5:22–23 teaches that the fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Therefore, we must surrender our hearts to GOD, because He promises to give a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26). The love of GOD is poured into our hearts by the HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 5:5).
We must confess and forsake sin, because whoever confesses and forsakes sin receives mercy (Proverbs 28:13). We must also ask the Father for the HOLY SPIRIT, because JESUS said that the Father gives the HOLY SPIRIT to those who ask Him (Luke 11:13). Every true believer belongs to CHRIST by the Spirit (Romans 8:9), but believers must also continue to be filled with the Spirit and walk by the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:16).
Walk by the HOLY SPIRIT
When the HOLY SPIRIT works in us, our lives begin to change. We become new creations in CHRIST (2 Corinthians 5:17). We begin to forgive, love, obey, and live by the WORD of GOD. The WORD of GOD is spirit and life, as JESUS said in John 6:63. The Spirit of GOD works through the WORD of GOD, teaching us, correcting us, strengthening us, and guiding us.
Preach the WORD of GOD
The WORD of GOD must also be preached. Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings.” Romans 10:15 repeats this truth: “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.” Romans 10:17 says that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the WORD of GOD.
JESUS also told Peter three times, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15–17). This shows that love for JESUS must lead us to care for His people and feed them with His WORD.
Blessing and Spiritual Fruit
Therefore, blessing and spiritual fruit come as we abide in CHRIST, walk by the HOLY SPIRIT, obey the WORD of GOD, and faithfully proclaim the gospel. Our labor in the LORD is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word that You have spoken to us (2 Timothy 3:16; John 6:63).
Open our understanding, open our spiritual eyes, and open our hearts, so that we may recognize JESUS CHRIST, receive Your truth, and glorify Your name (Luke 24:31; Luke 24:45; Ephesians 1:17–18; Acts 16:14).
Help us not only to hear Your Word, but also to obey it and proclaim it to others, so that many may hear, believe, and grow in faith (Romans 10:17; James 1:22; 2 Timothy 4:2).
Teach us to work faithfully, knowing that JESUS CHRIST is with us always, and that our labor in the LORD is not in vain (Matthew 28:20; Colossians 3:23; 1 Corinthians 15:58).
By Your grace, help us to walk worthy of Your calling, to bear spiritual fruit, and to receive the blessings, fruitfulness, and honor that come from You alone (Ephesians 1:3; Colossians 1:10; John 12:26).
Prepare us for Your kingdom and for the coming of our LORD. May the whole world hear and know the WORD of GOD, and may many come to faith in JESUS CHRIST (Matthew 4:17; Matthew 24:14; Romans 10:14–17).
In JESUS’ name, Amen.
Resources
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