BE A BLESSING!

Genesis 39:2 The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house
of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that
the LORD gave him success in everything he did,4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and
became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to
his care everything he owned. 5 From the time he put him in charge of his household
and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of
Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house
and in the field. 6 So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in
charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.

What will happen if the Lord is with us?

1. The Lord will give success in everything we do.
2. Others will be blessed.

The Lord will give success in everything we do.

Genesis 39:3 When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave
him success in everything he did,4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his
attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care
everything he owned.
Matthew 6: 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will
be given to you as well.
A. Seek first His kingdom
Seven ways to Seek First the Kingdom of God
The Culture of Heaven
Jesus tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. How
do we do this and what does the culture of Heaven look like in our daily life?
1. Read Instruction Manual
Psalm 1:2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
"Your Constitution." The Bible is the instruction manual for Kingdom living.
The Word of God renews the mind and transforms the heart into the patterns
and ways of God. God’s Word is living and activates the spirit of God that
dwells on the inside of us.
2. Maintain an Awareness of Your Need
Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 Poor in spirit, doesn’t mean to be impoverished or financially poor. Someone
poor in spirit lives in constant awareness of their need for the rich
sustainability of God. It is from this place that we can truly worship with
genuine authenticity. This awareness produces humility and protects us from
one of our greatest adversaries – our own pride.
3. Examine the Treasures Stored in the Heart
Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Do a quick heart examination. What is at the core of your delight? What

upsets you or produces anger and frustration? These motivations give insight
to our core heart issues. We need to evict and demolish any idols trying to
take up residence in our heart such as: greed, envy, lust, pride and jealousy.
Keep God first in your life and everything else will resume order.
4. Spirit Led Decision-Making
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and
drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

The Bible says that the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in
the Holy Spirit. Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and direct your life is a gift
from Christ to believers which enables them to live “on earth as it is in
Heaven.” Don’t quench or ignore The Spirit. Follow His promptings and heed
His warnings.

5. Receive the Kingdom as a Child

Luke 18:16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little
children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs
to such as these.

The first line in the prayer Jesus teaches the disciples is “Our Father.” Just
like children rely and depend on the their parents to meet their needs, God
wants us to depend on His provision for our lives. In the same way a child
journeys trustingly through life, we too should live casting our care on the One
who is ready and willing to meet all of our needs.
6. Heart, Understanding and Strength
Mark 12:33, 34 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding
and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more
important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 When Jesus saw that he
had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of
God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

This is repeated throughout the Bible in both the Old and New Testament.
Greater than our church activities, our home activities and our work the
 highest call is to love God with all our heart, understanding and strength. This
multi-layer command speaks to every part of human life mind, body and
soul. The Scriptures remind us that, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that
He has made to dwell in us?”
7. Love your Neighbor
Mark 12:31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[a] There is no
commandment greater than these.”

The second highest call is to love others as yourself. God is big on family. He
wants His children to get along, after all we’re going to be spending an
eternity together. Practice now. Extend the same mercy, forgiveness and
grace to others just as God has done for you.

B. Seek First His Righteousness

Deuteronomy 6:25 And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORDour
God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.”

Others Will Be Blessed

Proverbs 11:25-31 The Message (MSG)
25 The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed;
those who help others are helped.
26 Curses on those who drive a hard bargain!
Blessings on all who play fair and square!
27 The one who seeks good finds delight;
the student of evil becomes evil.
28 A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump;
a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree.
29 Exploit
or abuse your family, and end up with a fistful of air;
common sense tells you it’s a stupid way to live.
30 A good life is a fruit-bearing tree;
a violent life destroys souls.
31 If
good people barely make it,
what’s in store for the bad!