God Bless Us, So that People Know You
I love Psalm 67. I preached it a while back at our Church. It was the start of our building campaign. Raising money for a church building is always a challenge. Why do we need a bigger building? Why not stay in our comfort zone? Isn't this just about money?
But if you read Psalm 67, there's a clear directive for using our blessings to make God known.
Psalm 67:1–2 (ESV) 1 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah 2 that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.
The Psalm was written for the harvest. Right before the Israelites would head out to reap God's blessing from their labor, they would gather and recite Psalm 67.
Psalm 67:6–7 (ESV) The earth has yielded its increase says the Psalmist. That is, the harvest has come and we are about to benefit from the good Earth God has given to us.
So picture this... they are about to take in God's miraculous provision from the seeds they dropped a few months ago. What do you do with the land's yield?
First you pray God's blessing over it. You ask for a blessed increase and not a wicked one. Many people get money and have no blessing over it. Don't live like that. Live as if every paycheck is from the Lord (for He made it possible). Ask Him to bless your increase.
Second you prioritize it. "That your way may be known on Earth, your saving power among all nations." The Psalmist wants God's way and salvation to be known. The blessings we have are to be used to make Jesus famous.
Jesus echoed this sentiment in Matthew 6:33 (ESV) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Use material blessings for the sake of God's kingdom.
Jesus said in Luke 16:9 (ESV) I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.
Steward God's resources to make Him known.
You can't go wrong handling money His way.
But if you read Psalm 67, there's a clear directive for using our blessings to make God known.
Psalm 67:1–2 (ESV) 1 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah 2 that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.
The Psalm was written for the harvest. Right before the Israelites would head out to reap God's blessing from their labor, they would gather and recite Psalm 67.
Psalm 67:6–7 (ESV) The earth has yielded its increase says the Psalmist. That is, the harvest has come and we are about to benefit from the good Earth God has given to us.
So picture this... they are about to take in God's miraculous provision from the seeds they dropped a few months ago. What do you do with the land's yield?
First you pray God's blessing over it. You ask for a blessed increase and not a wicked one. Many people get money and have no blessing over it. Don't live like that. Live as if every paycheck is from the Lord (for He made it possible). Ask Him to bless your increase.
Second you prioritize it. "That your way may be known on Earth, your saving power among all nations." The Psalmist wants God's way and salvation to be known. The blessings we have are to be used to make Jesus famous.
Jesus echoed this sentiment in Matthew 6:33 (ESV) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Use material blessings for the sake of God's kingdom.
Jesus said in Luke 16:9 (ESV) I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.
Steward God's resources to make Him known.
You can't go wrong handling money His way.
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