SHOWERS OF BLESSING

Title: SHOWERS OF BLESSING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:
Ezekiel 34:26 – "I will make them and the places surrounding My hill a blessing. And I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing."

Supporting Texts:
Deuteronomy 28:12
Psalm 85:12
James 1:17
2 Corinthians 9:8

INTRODUCTION:
In our spiritual journey, we often seek God’s blessings to sustain and uplift us. The metaphor of "showers of blessing" captures the abundance and richness of God's provisions in our lives. These blessings can manifest in various forms: spiritual, physical, emotional, and relational. This sermon explores the concept of God's showers of blessing, how they impact our lives, and how we can align ourselves to receive them.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE PROMISE OF SHOWERS OF BLESSING
God promises to pour out His blessings abundantly upon those who follow Him.

a) God's Desire to Bless: It is God's nature to bless His people; He desires to shower us with goodness (James 1:17).

b) Spiritual Blessings: We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3).

c) Physical and Material Blessings: God provides for our physical needs as a reflection of His care (Philippians 4:19).

d) Emotional and Relational Blessings: God's blessings also encompass peace and strong relationships (Psalm 85:12).

Biblical Example:
The Israelites in the wilderness experienced God’s provision through manna and quail, demonstrating His commitment to bless His people abundantly (Exodus 16).

2. CONDITIONS FOR RECEIVING SHOWERS OF BLESSING
While God’s blessings are abundant, there are conditions that we must fulfil to receive them.

a) Obedience to God's Word: Following God's commands positions us to receive His blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).

b) Faith and Trust: Believing in God's goodness and provision opens our hearts to His blessings (Hebrews 11:6).

c) Sowing Generously: Generosity is a key to unlocking God's blessings (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

d) Repentance and Humility: Turning away from sin and humbling ourselves before God attracts His grace (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Biblical Example:
The widow of Zarephath experienced God's miraculous provision during a famine because of her obedience and generosity towards the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 17:8-16).

3. MANIFESTATIONS OF SHOWERS OF BLESSING
When God's blessings rain down upon us, they manifest in various ways, transforming our lives.

a) Physical Abundance: God blesses us with material needs and abundance (Malachi 3:10).

b) Spiritual Growth: Blessings result in spiritual maturity and a deeper relationship with God (2 Peter 3:18).

c) Joy and Fulfilment: God's blessings bring joy and satisfaction beyond material possessions (Psalm 16:11).

d) Healing and Restoration: Blessings can manifest as physical healing and emotional restoration (Jeremiah 30:17).

Biblical Example:
The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates how faithfulness leads to increased blessings and responsibilities.

4. THE ROLE OF THANKSGIVING IN RECEIVING BLESSINGS
Thanksgiving is a vital part of receiving and recognising God's blessings in our lives.

a) Acknowledging God's Goodness: Gratitude opens the door to more blessings (Psalm 100:4).

b) Cultivating a Grateful Heart: Regularly expressing thanks helps us focus on God’s provisions (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

c) Sharing Testimonies: Sharing our experiences of God’s blessings encourages others and glorifies God (Revelation 12:11).

d) Celebrating God's Faithfulness: Remembering past blessings builds our faith for future provision (Psalm 77:11-12).

Biblical Example:
The healed leper who returned to thank Jesus exemplifies the importance of gratitude, which led to greater spiritual blessing (Luke 17:15-19).

5. SHARING THE SHOWERS OF BLESSING
Blessings are not just for our benefit; they are to be shared with others.

a) Being a Blessing to Others: We are called to be channels of God's blessings to those in need (Genesis 12:2).

b) Acts of Kindness and Generosity: Sharing our blessings through acts of kindness creates a ripple effect of goodness (Galatians 6:10).

c) Supporting the Church and Mission: Contributing to God’s work expands His blessings into the community (2 Corinthians 9:11).

d) Encouraging and Uplifting Others: Use your blessings to encourage those who may be struggling (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Biblical Example:
The early church exemplified this by sharing their possessions and blessings with one another, resulting in unity and abundance (Acts 2:44-47).

CONCLUSION:
Showers of blessing are a testament to God's faithfulness and His desire to provide for His people. By understanding the promise of blessings, meeting the conditions for receiving them, recognising their manifestations, embracing a lifestyle of thanksgiving, and sharing our blessings with others, we can experience an outpouring of God’s grace and goodness in our lives. Let us position ourselves to receive and share these showers of blessing in abundance.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for the blessings You have poured into my life.

2. Father, help me to walk in obedience to Your Word.

3. Lord, increase my faith and trust in Your provision.

4. Father, make me a generous giver, reflecting Your heart.

5. Lord, cleanse me of any sin that hinders my blessings.

6. Father, I declare physical and spiritual abundance in my life.

7. Lord, I ask for joy and fulfilment in every area of my life.

8. Father, let healing and restoration come to those in need.

9. Lord, I will cultivate a heart of gratitude for Your blessings.

10. Father, use me as a channel of Your blessings to others.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that you will experience showers of blessings in every area of your life.

2. God will open the heavens and pour out abundance upon you.

3. I decree that your faith and obedience will attract unprecedented blessings.

4. You will find joy and fulfilment as you recognise God’s goodness.

5. I declare healing and restoration will manifest in your life.

6. God will make you a blessing to others as you share His goodness.

7. I decree that your generosity will lead to greater blessings.

8. You will cultivate a heart of gratitude, leading to more blessings.

9. I declare that your testimonies will encourage and uplift others.

10. You will leave a legacy of blessings and kindness for generations to come.