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  DISGUISED BLESSINGS
  by E.A. Adeboye
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Summary: God's blessings can be disguised as opportunities to help the
poor, and investing in them can lead to great rewards.

Topics: "Helping The Poor", "Gods Blessings"
Scripture References: Psalm 41:1, Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 21:13, Matthew 25:31, Luke 6:38, James 2:15

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DESCRIPTION
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E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of helping the poor and needy,
revealing that by blessing them, we are actually paving a path to
greatness and abundance. He highlights how God promises blessings to
those who assist the less fortunate, including deliverance in times of
trouble, protection, and support in times of need. Adeboye urges
listeners to invest in both the physically and spiritually poor around
them to access these blessings and to ask God for guidance in
recognizing opportunities to help others.

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CONTENT
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MEMORISE: 'Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall
cry himself, but shall not be heard.' (Prov 21:13)

READ: Psalm 41:1-3

God works in several ways that are still alien to us. For instance, when
God asked us to assist the poor, people often fear they will become
impoverished. They would rather keep their substance for themselves.

The passage in today's reading reveals a simple secret to us. When you
set out to bless the poor and needy, you are actually following a hidden
path to greatness and abundance.

Each good deed shown from your heart to the needy is held in store for
you, waiting for your day of need. On that day, it will speak in your
favour and your need will be taken care of.

In the parable of the sheep and the goats, which speaks about the
judgement of the nations (Matt 25:31-46), our Lord Jesus Christ revealed
that some people who had asked to see him actually saw him, but did not
recognize him, and therefore treated him badly - all because he came as
a needy one.

Jesus further categorized certain characteristics of the poor: they are
thirsty for the Word of God; they are hungry and cannot make ends meet;
they are naked, sick and imprisoned; they need your attention. God
promises seven blessings listed in our reading to the one who will
satisfy the needs of the poor: deliverance in times of trouble,
protection, sustained alive, openly identified as a blessed person;
deliverance from all enemies; support in sickness or sorrow and recovery
in weakness.

If you desire such blessings, why not invest in the physically and
spiritually poor around you today? You can access these favours through
helping the needy. Start today! Don't look too far. They are very near
you.

ACTION POINT

Ask God's help to recognize all hidden avenues for blessings

And help you to respond the way he wants you to.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ea-adeboye/disguised-blessings/
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