Curses That Block Blessing!!!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Today's Passage: Mark 7:7-8
Memory Verse: Mark 11:25

As we explore the curses that keep us from being fully blessed, let us discuss two major places of hinderance: Religion and Unforgiveness.

Mark 7:7-8 (Message) says: "They act like they are worshipping Me, but they don't mean it. They just use me as a cover for teaching whatever suits their fancy. Ditching God's command and taking up the latest fads." This passage is the perfect depiction of the religious life. Most religious people don't know they are. Their whole belief is centered around the fact that something is wrong with everyone else but them. They don't need passionate worship, they don't need faith, and being challenged to get to know God on a deeper level is unnecessary. Concern is for the religious lies in making sure the 'outside show' is intact.

Religion blocks blessing by keeping us from being flexible. It keeps us settled into one mindset that soon becomes old and out-dated. We immediately become inconvenienced by fresh moves of God. Church services become predictable and uninspiring. The letter of the law becomes what is worshipped instead of Christ Himself.

The Word of God is specific in its stance on forgiveness. Mark 11:25 says, "And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it's not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive--only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins". Quite simply, to be forgiven, we MUST forgive. Our very prayers are in jeopardy when we refuse to forgive our brother. What are you standing in need of today? Are you going to allow something as simple as unforgiveness to keep it from you? Our blessing is connected to our treatment of one another; not to how many times we attend church, or how much offering we give, or how loud we sing.

Unforgiveness blocks blessing by keeping us from knowing our place in God. If we don't forgive, we don't need forgiveness. If we don't need forgiveness, we don't need Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. That places us out of place with God. Jesus said " no man comes to the Father but by Me".

So I challenge you today to seek the Lord for freedom of spirit, and the ability to forgive. It is imperative that we understand these principles. The blessing designed for your life depends on it. Be blessed, my Friends....

Prayer: Lord, I need Your manifested presence in my life. I desire to walk in Your ways. I want to know You more and more. As I forgive others, I pray You're forgiving me. Now, I'm free to hear Your voice and follow You with my whole heart in Jesus name...Amen.