Spiritual War, 18of20

~ Spiritual War: A Great Benefits Package ~ 

Introduction  ~  “Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation!” (Psalm 68:19).  “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:2-5).  “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?  I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.  I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all His people” (Psalm 116:12-14). 

So what are some specific benefits?

Peace (now)  ~  Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).  “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3).

Joy (now)  ~  Jesus said, “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.  If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.  These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:9-11). 

Note that joy is a deep seated contentment which is not related to current circumstances.  This is very different than happiness which is based primarily on circumstances. 

Eternal Happiness (future)  ~  “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3).

“They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb [Jesus Christ] who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters.  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:16-17).

“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.  Also there was no more sea.  Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people.  God Himself will be with them and be their God.  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.  There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’  Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’  And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful’” (Revelation 21:1-5).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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