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TITLE: Bless Me, Indeed
TEXT: Matthew 7:7-11
PROPOSITION: If we do not ask, we miss the blessing of God.
QUESTION: Who?
KEY WORD: Blessings
SCRIPTURE READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
  1. Today I begin a series of sermons on how to pray.
  2. I realize I will not discuss every aspect of prayer.
  3. Each week I will add a phrase for you to include in your prayers.
Bless
  1. Bless used 123 times in our Bible.
  2. In NT - eulogeo (eulogy) = to speak well of, praise
  3. Bless = more that a sneeze, we have watered it down to “Have a nice day”
  4. Reason for “Bless you” at a sneeze - some think you die and come back to life
  5. We bless - food, missionaries, the sick, worship services, elders, deacons, preacher, hurting, those in grief, etc.
  6. Bless = to ask for or to impart special favor (Proverbs 10:22)
  7. When you ask God to bless you (or others) - What do you want?
  8. seeking a blessing for others - be specific - heal, comfort, wisdom.
Me
  1. Moses at Mt. Sinai - (Exodus 33:18; 34:6)
  2. It is the very nature of God to bless - overflowing
  3. While we pray for the lost, sick, hurting, others in need - pray for yourself - ask for a blessing
  4. This is not “selfish” - It is seeking what God has to offer
  5. Story of woman told to bring many bottles - God filled what she brought (2 Kings 4:3)
  6. Mr. Jones goes to heaven - room full of boxes, in each box are all the blessings ready for him, but he never asked (Matthew 7:7; James 4:2)
The List of blessings (in this life):
        Houses, Brothers, Sisters, Mothers,         Children, Lands, Persecutions
        AND IN THE WORLD TO COME - ETERNAL LIFE
My List: (not complete) You may think of other things to add to this list.
  1. Gift of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:38
  2. Forgiveness1 John 1:7; Ephesians 1:7
  3. RedemptionEphesians 1:7 (Salvation, sanctification)
  4. PrayerEphesians 6:18; 1 John 2:1; 1 Peter 3:12; James 5:16
  5. Eternal lifeJohn 5:24; Romans 6:23
  6. No CondemnationRomans. 8:1
  7. Fellowship1 Corinthians 1:91 John 1:3, 7
  8. Necessary thingsMatthew 6:33; Luke 6:38; Malachi 3:10
  9. Assurance1 John 5:13
  10. Peace of mindPhilippians 4:7
Indeed
  1. Indeed = underline, in all CAPS, 5 exclamation points
  2. “I mean it” - I am sincere, in earnest. This is what I seek from God.
  3. We must pray believing, in faith, not doubting. (James 1:6-7)
Conclusion:
  1. My grandfather would pour some coffee in his saucer and “slurp”.
  2. My grandmother fussed - but it did no good.
  3. Etiquette aside - we should be drinking from our saucer.

Drinking From My Saucer

I've never made a fortune and it's probably too late now.
But I don't worry about that much I'm happy anyhow.
And as I go along life's journey I'm reaping better than I sowed.
And I'm drinking from my saucer because my cup is overflowed.

Don't have a lot of riches and sometimes the going's tough,
But I have family and friends that love me and that makes me rich enough.
I just thank God for his blessings and mercies he's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer because my cup has overflowed.

Oh, I remember times when things went wrong and my faith got a little thin
But then all at once the dark clouds broke and that old sun peeked through again
So Lord, help me not to gripe about the tough rows that I've hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer because my cup is overflowed.

And if God gives me strength and courage when the way grows steep and rough.
I'll not ask for other blessings I'm already blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy to help another bear his load.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer because be cup is overflowed.

AUTHOR UNKNOWN
(Copied from brochure for Fellowship Tours)


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