THE PATH TO BLESSEDNESS IN 2014

Psalm 1:1-6; Job 11:13-20

The year 2014 is still very young. It has so much that will be discovered, so much wealth waiting to be acquired, so much discoveries to be made. Many who were poor in 2013 will become rich in 2014, but also many who were rich in 2013 may become poor in 2014. The Lord is waiting to guide those who will come to Him this year, even through rough terrains to their havens of rest.

There are spiritual blessings waiting to be appropriated. The power of the Holy Spirit is there just waiting to be received. Souls are there waiting to be brought to Christ. Miracles are there waiting to happen. But who will be the instrument that God will use to bring these things to reality?

2014 is a year of possibilities. All things are possible to him that believeth. There will be no lack, no loss and no limitation. The whole earth is full of the blessings of God. God is waiting to change many lives this year. But unless you put yourself in the position for the outpouring of God’s blessing, the year may end without any blessings without any tangible blessings.

1.    Rejection of the Path of Sin and slavery (Psalm 1:1; Job 11:13-15)

God’s instruction to us this morning starts by showing us what to avoid to be in line for His uninterrupted blessings in the New Year. None of us has seen a panoramic view of the year 2014, but God already has (Isaiah 46:9-10). It is awe-inspiring to note that God has already seen every day of 2014 and knows the path you will be play during this year. He already knows if that path is going to lead you to blessing or failure. But thanks be to God that he has given all men the chance to make the right choice this year (Deut.30:15-16, 19-20). Reject that path of sin and slavery to Satan and the flesh. Reject that counsel of sinners whether they are family members, relatives or friends. Put iniquity far from you. Purge out the old self, old sins, old habits, and old behavior (Eph.4:22-29). When the heart is defiled it is not receptive of God’s word and God’s blessings. Jesus gave us a list of the things that can defile the heart (Mark 7:20-23; Gal.5:19-21). If you are bound with sin come to Jesus for cleansing and He will save you.

2.    Reception of the Path of Righteousness and Holiness (Psalm 1:2-4; Exodus 15:26; Deut.28:1-2)

His delight is in the law of the Lord. God is calling us to strong purpose of heart this year, to delight greatly in His word, His law and His commandments. Here is the challenge. Do you want to walk with God this year so as to be filled with His blessing and divine approval? There is a path to that – take delight in God’s word, God’s commandments found in the Bible. Take delight in holiness and righteousness. Meditate on God’s word day and night. You have got to be a man of purpose, a woman of purpose this year, just like Daniel (Dan.1:8). Many believers easily fall prey to the spirit of compromise, but you be a man of purpose. You can literally flee from youthful lusts like Joseph of Old. You refuse to bow down to the idols of the age. We must pursue righteousness and true holiness. That is God’s path to blessing. We must take our stand side by side with those great men of God who had gone before us.

3.    Rain of blessings Upon the Righteous (Psalm 1:1-3; 84:12; 112:1-10; 92:12-15; Isaiah 32:17-18; Deut.12:3-14)

Listen to the declaration of God oracle (1Cor.2:9). Those who love God will unfailingly be blessed by God this year. They shall be like the tree planted beside the river. They will never thirst. They will never lack. They will forever be refreshed from Heaven (Psalm 92:12-15). They shall bear fruit – the fruit of righteousness all the year round. Material wealth shall be added to them. Peace and joy shall be their portion

4.    Regret of the Unrighteous Sinners (Psalm 1:4-6; Deut.28:15)

The only way out for any sinner is to repent and turn to Jesus. Failure to do that will incur that wrath of God. Their life will be like chaff that will be blown away! All their plans will be blown away. All their wealth will be blown away. All they boast of will be blown away in the wrath of God’s judgment. The wicked shall not stand in God’s presence. The only way out for the wicked is to repent and turn to Jesus for salvation.

In conclusion, there is a choice before you today. It is a choice of blessing or curse, a choice of life and death. Choose life, choose blessing that it may be well with you this 2014. If you do not receive any blessing, if you do not make any spiritual progress, if there is no advancement in your life and circumstance, you will be solely responsibly.

(Testimony from the just concluded Lagos strategy Congress)

But if you from today make up your mind to purge yourself of all filthiness, and pursue righteousness and true holiness, you will see God work for you like you have never seen before. This year promises incredible blessings from God. This year will be filled with moments of shout of victory and triumph. It will be a year when you will forget all your misery, a year when your mouth shall be filled with the praise of God.