Christian – Stop BellyAching – Start BellyBlessing
Bellyblessing isn’t really a word. I made it up. Here’s the gist of what I mean. God’s Word tells us that He has given us power in different areas. Look at these scriptures.
You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. Deut. 8:17-18
Notice that God says wealth is not produced by our ability or power, but by His ability and power, to confirm His covenant. The word “ability” in the NIV is translated “power” in the KJV. Well, my question is then. If God gives us the power to produce wealth, why are so many Christians living in lack? Poor stewardship is part of it, but primarily, a large part of the Body of Christ, have not been able to implement God’s blessings into their lives.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
Here, Jesus tells us as believers, that He has delivered power to us to be witnesses. Notice it does not say that He will give us power to go do some witnessing. Rather, this is the power to live a victorious lifestyle, where we are witnesses of God’s blessings, power, love, mercy, compassion, and glory. This is for the unbelievers to see in us. Well, here comes the question again. If Jesus has given the power to be dynamic witnesses of the Kingdom of God, why are so many people still not moved by the gospel, nor listening to our testimonies? Worse yet, why are so many people heading to Hell, with no real clue that God is in the reconciling business, and has made each of us, ministers of reconciliation?
He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. Luke 10:18-19
Here, Jesus tells us that He has given to us all authority over the power of the enemy, Satan himself. If this is true, why are so many Christians living sub-standard lives? Why are so many oppressed and beaten down? It is obvious to me, that a lot of believers do not understand their authority, or better yet, may not understand authority in general. We are to submit and serve the Lord, but that is only achieved through a knowledge of God’s Word, and then a willingness to humble ourselves and become obedient to God’s Word. Then God’s power flows through us and we operate in His authority. Too many Christians are just too lazy to know His Word because they are too lazy to study His Word. To go even further, look at what Jesus said about us, and the fact that we would do mighty deeds and mighty works for the Kingdom.
Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. Luke 14:10-14
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams (rivers) of living water will flow from within him. (out of his belly or heart)” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 7:37-39
Jesus said that out of our belly or inner parts would flow rivers of living water. This encompasses all that we have talked about so far. These are believers, sharing the gospel, living victoriously. Way too many Christians, because they are lazy, and do not understand God’s authority or God’s power, are complaining about everything in life. Nothing suites them. They are unhappy with their jobs, often times with their families. They complain about the cost of living. They complain about the government. (We are still the land of the free!) They let the cares of the world dictate who they are, rather than letting the Word of God dictate who they are. CHRISTIAN – STOP BELLYACHING – START BELLYBLESSING ! There are things for you to do for God today. God has gifted you, anointed you, and called you, for such a time as this. Get your world turned around today by confessing your sin of laziness, slothfulness, and poor attitude. Then begin to change the world around you by searching out the scriptures, and flowing with the unique plan that God has for your life.
Michael R. Smith