Jesus Said He is... Series, Part 5: Living Water, Written by my Husband & Me

Jesus Said He is... Series, Part 5: Living Water

Jesus, our Living Water, Written by my Me

Technically, Jesus did not utter the phrase, "I am Living Water," but He still made it clear that He is our Living Water that brings us life, forgiveness, and fulfillment.  He told the woman at the well that if she would repent and accept Him as her savior, her soul would feel satisfied and she would no longer need to seek joy from outside sources because He would her fulfillment.

When we accept His free gift of salvation, follow His holy ways, and stay grounded in the Word of God, we will never feel spiritually hungry or thirsty again.

Because no one is exempt from the trials of life, I fully believe that every single Christian experiences a dryness in their soul multiple times throughout their walk with the Lord.  We tend to allow hard times to dry up the Living Water dwelling inside us. Not because the Living Water of Jesus is defective, but because we cease to tap into the holy power of the endless well Jesus offers.  In essence, we seal up the well.  We blame God with every bad thing that happens from insignificant things such as bad weather to more serious issues such illness, financial struggles, and loss of a loved one. We forget that we are living on a fallen world in mortal bodies.  Perfection only exists in Heaven.  Therefore, rather than accepting the hard times with grace, we blame God and push Him away. 

I also fully believe that the True believer begins to feel more and more dissatisfied with the dryness in their soul and they find themselves longing again for the rivers of Living Water to again flood their spirit.  They miss communing with the King of Kings and their heart and flesh cry out for God once again. 

I write this from experience as I too have pushed God away due to extreme heart break.  In 2014 I went through a period of about 6 months where I was so angry with God that I could not even pray.  When I began releasing my bitterness and letting the Lord's gentle love warm my heart again, I started merely saying, "Thank You," to Him for even the small things until I was able to slowly revive my relationship with the Lord. My dry soul ached still ached for communion with Christ, and He was full of mercy and instantly accepted me back when I was ready to repent of my bitterness. 

I know you can relate to such a dryness, and Jesus gently calling you back to Him.  Do not ignore those instincts and let Satan discourage you.  He would love it if you gave into your negativity, stayed angry, and ignored God altogether.  It is always a good time to worship, but when you are lowest can be best time to praise. 

When you are feeling dry, and are unsure of how to uncap the well, and if all you can say is one word, let me suggest, "Jesus."  There is Power in the name of Jesus.  Calling on the name of Jesus brings healing.  If you allow Christ to work in your life, you will begin to find peace.  You may never understand why bad things happen, but you can find joy and comfort in just knowing how much Jesus loves you!  That alone can often get you through the dark times in your life and send the flood waters rushing back through your soul. 

(John 4:10-11 & 13-15) Jesus answered and said unto her, "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water." 

The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?"

Jesus answered and said unto her, "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." 

The woman saith unto him, "Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not."

The Living Water of the Holy Spirit, Written by my Husband (Mel)

Because God the Father, Jesus the Son, and The Holy Spirit are one, The Holy Spirit is also Living Water to our soul and every bit as vital to our salvation.

(John 7:36-39) Jesus stood and cried, saying, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.

Many churches teach salvation through Jesus Christ but neglect to teach people the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit. John 3:5 states that we must be born of the water and of the Spirit to be truly born again. Salvation is a free gift of Grace that can never be earned through our works or by religious rituals. Salvation begins with true repentance of sins. Repentance is a change of mind and heart in regard to the old sinful lifestyle. God gives grace to those who seek first the Kingdom of Heaven and his righteousness. Repentance occurs when you surrender all to Christ. You must first realize that you cannot save yourself through the strivings of the flesh. We are justified by faith in the atonement that Christ made upon the cross. Salvation is for those who walk in the light, not darkness.

(John 3:5-7) Jesus answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."

Whether you consider yourself to be Baptist, Pentecostal, or Non-Denominational, if you are TRULY saved and water baptized, then you have received the free gift of the Holy Spirit. However, there is a difference between being indwelt with the Holy Spirit, and being filled, or baptized in the Holy Spirit.

(Acts 2:28) Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Notice what Peter's first command is: repent.

After we truly repent of our sins and put our faith in Christ and his atonement upon the cross, it is also essential that we are baptized in water. Water baptism is an act of obedience; it proclaims to the world that you have been born again. You are marked by God, and you identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ through water baptism. You are also proclaiming that you have been crucified with Christ and are dead to sin and risen with Christ as a new creation!

(Romans 6:1-13) What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

Many Christians have never been taught that there is more to their spiritual walk. In order to live an overcoming Christian life in these dark times, it is essential that we be filled with God’s Holy Spirit (Baptism in the Holy Spirit). You cannot be saved unless you have been filled (baptized) with the Holy Spirit. The atonement of Christ provided for the fullness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. The Holy Trinity is received by faith alone in the finished work of Christ.

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a second act of Grace, and it is when a believer is filled and becomes indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The Baptism is an immersion of power that is accompanied by spiritual gifts according to God's will and must be sought after by faith. The Holy Spirit is God, he is the third person of the Holy Trinity, and he indwells us, as well as ministers to us. It is God’s will that we all experience the fullness of God and that is only possible by receiving the baptism in the Spirit. The infilling of the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the hands of the Apostles within Scripture. It was first given on the Day of Pentecost to those seeking God in the upper room. You may receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit by earnestly seeking God in prayer, or through the laying on of hands.

(Acts 2:1-4) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

There are nine gifts and nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. It is God's will that we seek him for the fullness of his Spirit. The strivings of the flesh are worthless. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we may become a new creation (set apart people). Only through the Holy Spirit is the love of Jesus poured into our hearts. We cannot walk, live, or bear good fruit apart from the Holy Spirit. If you love Christ, you will keep his commandments. This is only possible by being transformed from the inside out by the Holy Spirit. To live and walk in the Spirit is to walk away from sin.


The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is essential for all believers. Come as you are to Christ, but don't stay that way. It is true that we are justified, saved, and sanctified by faith alone. Christ's finished work upon the cross paid our debts in full and his shed blood sanctified us and removed our shame and guilt! However, faith must be accompanied with repentance to be sincere. You must be born again to inherit eternal life with Christ.

A dead, or lukewarm church will be vomited out of God's mouth according to His Word (Revelation 3). You cannot overcome your old nature, or bear good fruit, apart from God's Spirit. It is only possible to live an overcoming, or holy life, by surrendering your will to God and allowing the Holy Spirit to change you from the inside out. God gives us Grace to grow in Him. We come to Him as babes on milk and learn to walk by his Spirit.


You must abide in the vine (Jesus Christ). Scripture teaches us that to abide in Christ is to continue in the faith and allow His Spirit to pour love into our hearts for others. To truly know Christ is to love one another and forgive others their trespasses, as Christ has forgiven us. We must give others grace to live in His grace. To walk in the Spirit is to live in God's freedom and no longer to be a slave to sin. Are you a new creation in Christ? Are you born again?

Jesus Said He is... Series, Part 4: The Bread of Life

Jesus Said He is... Series, Part 4: The Bread of Life

How can we apply Jesus being bread to our lives?  If we choose to make Jesus Lord of our lives and follow His examples, we will always be spiritually filled.  I read and hear so many people say they feel empty and are searching for truth, hope, peace, and/or joy.  Allowing Jesus to take control of your life will not assure a perfect life, but it will guarantee perfect peace and a satisfaction to your soul that nothing else can fill: not drugs, alcohol, sex, fame, money, politics, Hollywood, the occult, or false religious practices.  If you still feel empty and hollow, it is most likely because, even if you claim to be a Christian, you continue to feast on stale and moldy bread that will destroy your peace.  When you actively choose to pursue holiness, the bread of Jesus brings life to your soul and joy you cannot find anywhere else.  

(John 6:35) And Jesus said unto them, "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." 

John 6:26-63 will give you more insight into Jesus as our Bread of Life.  When you read it, you will see that Jesus makes it clear that only way to eternal life is through God the Father and Jesus the Son. He mentions Moses to remind all of us that the manna from the old covenant has been replaced by the true bread, which is the new covenant of Jesus.  Please read the entire passage posted at the end of this writing as the words of Jesus say it so much better than I ever could. 

In Matthew 6:8-13, Jesus teaches His disciples to pray a deep and meaningful prayer to help encourage and guide them in their walks with Him. (If you are interested, you can read more about The Lord's Prayer in my writing here: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-prayers-of-jesus-christ-part-1.html ) In verse 11 He wants them to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread." 

In this context, our daily bread is the Word of God, and we must make an effort to read it as often as possible. Reading Jesus' words from the gospels are the ultimate bread for our souls.

We must make a daily choice to partake of this bread and live for Jesus as Luke 9:23 reminds us, "Then He said to them all, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.'" When we spend time daily examining out hearts and reading our daily bread, God will meet our needs. This does not always include our wants, especially when they are self-serving or are outside of His perfect will.  But when we surrender our will to Him, we can find peace in knowing that His ways are best, and we can find peace and joy in trusting His decisions for our lives.

Before Jesus died, He had a very special meal with the twelve apostles.  It was there He created the symbols of what we today call communion.  

This meal was during the Jewish Passover, which is very symbolic of Jesus being our Passover Lamb.  They ate only unleavened bread to symbolize when Moses and the others left Egypt in a hurry and did not have time to let the yeast rise the bread (See Exodus 12:39). 

But here, we can see an even greater symbolism of the bread being unleavened because Jesus uses leaven as a comparison to man-made religious doctrines, as well as being symbolic of sin. 

(Matthew 16:6 & 11-12) Then Jesus said unto them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees... How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees" Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

Paul also uses leaven in 1 Corinthians to represent the old covenant, false teachings, and also sin.  Paul reminds us that even what we may consider a little bit of sin in our lives, can destroy our soul.

(1 Corinthians 5:7-8) Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

 Therefore, you can see why Jesus again uses bread to represent Himself.  This time He chooses unleavened bread because it shows that only His New Covenant doctrine is Truth and also that He was sinless.

He also uses the unleavened bread to represent His body that was about to be broken and wine to represent His blood that was about to be spilled.  From that day until now, communion should always be a time to reflect on our spiritual walk and take that time to repent as needed.  We also use that time to remember the sacrifice of Jesus' life on the cross so that, when we choose salvation and continue to walk in holiness, we can have eternal life with Him. 

(Luke 22:19) And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me."

It was his body, the bread, that was torn that gives us life.  Jesus is the Bread of eternal life!

(John 6:26-51) Jesus answered them and said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed."

Then said they unto him, "What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?"

Jesus answered and said unto them, "This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent."

They said therefore unto Him, "What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat."

Then Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you NOT that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the TRUE bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world."

Then said they unto Him, "Lord, evermore give us this bread."

And Jesus said unto them, "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of Him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day... No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."

The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"

Then Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever..." 

When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, "Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."

Jesus Said He is... Part 3: The True Vine, Written by my Husband

 

Jesus Said He is... Part 3: The True Vine

Written by my Husband (Mel)

To abide in Christ is to walk by faith and allow the Holy Spirit to make us into a new creation. We must surrender all to Christ and let his love shine forth to others. To know Christ, is to know and show love. Christ is the vine, and we are the branches. Apart from Christ no one can bear fruit. The fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-25) is the evidence of a transformed life. We come to Christ as we are, salvation is a free gift that can never be earned through holiness or works. We are saved by grace alone following true repentance. God gives us grace to grow in him. We take baby steps at first and require milk. However, we need to grow spiritually and allow the Holy Spirit to teach us, guide us, as well as transform us from the inside out. What Christ is looking for in his bride is faith and love. There are nine fruits of the Spirit, the greatest is love, and the other eight revolve around love (see 1 Corinthians 13:1-8). 

It is truly as the days of Noah (see Matthew 24), and the attributes of Satan are visible in most people’s lives. As Christians, we must go against the grain of our cold society and let the love and light of our Lord Jesus Christ shine through us. If you have bitterness in your heart toward others, I urge you to let the love of Christ melt away the ice on your heart. Even the roots of bitterness are an open door for the devil to have a stronghold in your life. If you have animosity toward someone, let it go, and let the peace of God rule in your heart and mind.

We have all heard of the golden rule, but did you know that it was coined by Jesus? (Luke6:31) "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." How many of us truly obey it? Would you want someone to cheat you out of your money or lie to you? Would you want someone to deny you a warm place to stay, or a hot meal if you were in need? Do you desire to have someone give you the cold shoulder in your home or workplace? The answer of course is no. We all want to be loved and showed kindness from those around us. Regardless, of how others treat you, as Christians, we are to show unconditional love toward all, including the unlovely. 

You may think all of this is impossible, but with Christ all things are possible. If God's Holy Spirit dwells within you, you have the power to overcome the evil society and show forth God's attributes. If the church would reflect Christ to the world, we could save many from Hell. 

Hypocrisy will destroy your testimony, and push people away from Christ. Be authentic and let the good fruit of God's Spirit shine forth in your life.

(James 2:14-17) What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

(Luke 6:27-36) “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful."

(John 15:1-13) "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 

"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 

"Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Jesus Said He Is..., Part 2: The Door of the Sheep & The Good Shepherd

Jesus Said He Is..., Part 2: The Door of the Sheep & The Good Shepherd

In 2017 I read a book by Phillip Keller titled “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23.” I have not enjoyed a non-fiction book as much as this one (not counting the Bible, of course). Keller preaches the Truth so eloquently that it struck me to the core. Keller opened up the world of shepherds I never knew.

After reading his book, the 23rd Psalm, and the fact that Jesus refers to Himself as both the door to the sheepfold and also as our Good Shepherd, it makes this comparison so much more meaningful. Real sheep 100% rely on their shepherd to properly care for them. A bad shepherd has underfed sheep full of parasites living in dying pastures. Just like Jesus, a good shepherd takes care of His sheep’s every need. He takes great care moving his sheep from pasture to pasture in order to assure they always have plenty of green grass. He anticipates their every need.  He does everything he can to protect them and keep them safe. (Please read Keller’s book, he says it so much better, and you will see the bible in a completely new light.) 

Jesus is our door of protection when we stay within His will.  And in turn, we have the free will to open or close the doors to our hearts to Him. But remember, only our True Shepherd may enter through the correct door to our hearts. The thief and robber, Satan, may try to gain access, but the sheep (the true believer) will not recognize his voice, and will not let him in. Or should not let Satan enter. When we first submit to God, then resist the devil in the name of Jesus, Satan will flee.

(James 4:7) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Our Good Shepherd protects not only the doors to our heart but literally laid His life down for us.

Jesus is the door of life. Jesus longs only for good things for our lives (see Jeremiah 29:11), and desires that we may lie down in green, lush, beautiful pastures next to still waters. He longs for a life full of abundance, or full of plentiful blessings.

Satan is the door of death. Why would you choose to walk through a dark and twisted door that would only steal, kill, and destroy your soul?

Do not waste your life waiting to decide whom you will follow and allow access to the door of your heart. Choose today whom you will serve. Make Jesus Lord of your heart, mind, body, and soul. Lock the door of your heart to the sins of this world and do your very best to walk down paths of righteousness. 

I would also like to visit the parable of Jesus and the Lost Sheep, my favorite parable from Jesus. It is proof that Jesus loves us and does not want any of us to perish spiritually. He is actively seeking out each and every one of us and wants to welcome us into His fold. There is more than one version of this parable, so I'll share the one from Matthew (read also Luke 15:1-7):

(Matthew 18:10-14) “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

Jesus already gave His life for us. He shed His holy, sinless blood on the cross with the desire that we might live with Him forever.

(John 3:16) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Christ does not have to do anything else; it is up to us to choose to accept God's precious gift. Yet, in spite of this fact, God still actively seeks each of us out and calls us to Him. He will search for the one lost sheep that has wandered away.

I would next like to focus on what it means to be lost. The Bible makes it clear that we are all like sheep that have gone astray.

(Isaiah 53:5-6) But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Or to put it another way:

(Romans 3:23) For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Which means we are all in need of God's saving grace.

We all have sinned, but being a lost sheep does not just refer to those who have yet to receive Christ as their Savior. For one thing, we all sin every day. Although we do not lose our salvation with every minor sin, we still should daily confess our sins. There are those, however, who have been saved and have backslidden. Therefore, to me this parable is also about those who received Christ as Lord of their life, then later fell away. In other words, one can become lost again.

(Revelation 2:5) Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

There is no shame in admitting that we have done wrong and allow God to change us from the inside out. Sometime that requires a daily cleansing and always a daily self-examination of our hearts.

(Psalm 119:175-176) Let my soul live, and it shall praise You; And let Your judgments help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments.

(Psalm 139:23-24 ) Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

Jesus loves us all very much and wants to rescue us from a life of sin. He will never stop chasing us. His Word shows He has compassion for us and longs to capture us forever. He wants to teach us, guide us, direct us, encourage us. He wants us to cling to the folds of His robes and learn at His feet (by reading the Bible).

(Mark 6:34) And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.

Once we have been rescued, we are to remain changed. We are not to give into the temptations of the world. Reading the words of Jesus will really encourage and guide you in your daily walk. Obviously, there is nothing wrong with the Old Testament and I love and study the entire bible. However, if you truly want to learn and grow and be rescued, studying the gospels and really allowing Jesus' own words to sink deep into your heart and soul will transform you. I can say from experience that really focusing first on the words of Christ and then his followers who wrote the New Testament, will make you calmer and feel more at peace with everyday life. It will make it easier to live a life set apart from the ways of the world.

(1 Peter 2:1-3 & 21-25) Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Jesus referred to Himself as "The Good Shepherd," and He is indeed good. Life is often full of pain, sorrow, and frustration, but God's love never changes. Jesus is the only way to Salvation and a life of peace.

 (John 10:1-18 & 27) [Jesus said] "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers..."

Then said Jesus unto them again, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father."

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."

Jesus Said He is... Part 1: The Great I AM, Written by my Husband

Jesus Said He is... Part 1: The Great I AM, Written by my Husband (Mel)

Many claim that Christ was a prophet, or a great teacher, or just a good man. However, who do you say that He is?

There is one God, who is revealed in three distinct persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father sent the Son, to bring redemption to fallen mankind. Through the death of Christ upon the cross the free gift of salvation has been provided to all who will put their faith in him.

Christ said, that before Abraham was, I AM. Christ declared himself to be the Great I AM, by making this statement.

(John 8:57-58) Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” 

The prophet Isaiah wrote that the future Messiah would be called, the Mighty God and Everlasting Father!

(Isaiah 9:6-7) For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. 

(Matthew 1:23) “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”  

Within Christ dwelt the fullness of the Godhead bodily. He was 100% God and man. He was the express image of the Father.

(John 14:9-11) Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

(Colossians 2:9-10) For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 

(Hebrews 1:2-3) Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:

John chapter one, as well as Colossians one, reveal that Christ is indeed God, the creator of all things visible and invisible. He is the image of the invisible God. All things were created through him and for him.

(John 1:1-5 & 10-14) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.  

(Colossians 1:15-18) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.  

The good news is that Christ made peace between the Father and mankind through his death upon the cross. The Father is a holy God who cannot look upon sin. No person on earth could save himself by his own works because we are a fallen race. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was the spotless, perfect, lamb of God, who took our sins upon himself to wash us clean.

We are justified in the eyes of God and saved by faith alone in the finished work of Christ upon the cross. However, we must repent of our sins and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out. Come as you are to Christ and allow his Spirit to make you into a new creation. Also, pray that God will fill you with His Holy Spirit.

Salvation is a free gift that can never be earned by our own works or by religious observations. Ask Jesus into your heart today and make him Lord of your life! When you accept Christ, you need to give up the old sinful life and stop walking in darkness.

You need to grow in Christ through obedience to his Word. The Bible states that God's Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. In obedience to Christ, you also need to be water baptized. Water baptism proclaims that you are dead to sin and alive to Christ. The baptism of repentance also proclaims that you are born again and have become a new creation.

A New Series Written by my Husband & Me is Coming Soon

A New Series Written by my Husband & Me is Coming Soon

I am temporarily again interrupting going through the Bible to share a new short series.  I felt like I wanted to explore all Jesus said He is.  I know this is not an original concept, but I feel it is always important to remind ourselves of all that Jesus can and should be to us.  I pray this series will bless you as much as it has already been blessing me as I focus on all Jesus is.

My husband (Mel) will be writing this series with me. Part 1 will be posted tomorrow.  Not sure yet how many parts it will be.

Exodus 1:8-22: God-Fearing Midwives

 

Exodus 1:8-22: God-Fearing Midwives

Because the Hebrews are growing strong in number, the Egyptians fear them.  Pharaoh instructs the Hebrew midwives to kill the male babies when they are born.  However, Exodus 1:17 says, "But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive." 

Then in verses 20-21 it says, "because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses."

When we fear God more than man and stand against evil people, God will bless us for our obedience.  Yes, there are many who suffer for their bravery, and it will be become worse for the true Christians the closer we get to the end of the world, but our eternal reward will always be worth the temporal sufferings in this life.  When we are obedient to God, the forever blessings will far outweigh the harms this world may bring.

May I always be brave and fear God and serve Him enough to be willing to protect others if the need arises.

(Exodus 1:8-22) Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. And he said unto his people, "Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we: Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land."

Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour: And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.

And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: And he said, "When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live."

But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive. 

And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, "Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive?"

And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, "Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them."

Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty. And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.

And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.

Genesis 45:1-15 & 50:15-21: Joseph, A Life Planned by God

 

Genesis 45:1-15 & 50:15-21: Joseph, A Life Planned by God

When Joseph is reunited with the brothers that caused him harm, he is gracious enough to forgive them and give them enough food to get them through the famine.  He is able to forgive them because he is able to step back from the emotional reunion and see the bigger picture.  He realizes that his entire life has been very carefully planned by God so that he could save the lives of more people than he could fathom.

After Joseph's father Jacob dies, his brothers fear Joseph will no longer show them favor and lie by saying that their father insisted Joseph continue to take care of them.  In Genesis 50:19-20, it is again clear that Joseph is well aware of God's miraculous hands on his life when he says, "Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."

It can often be hard to see how God's plans are at work.  Yet as long as we follow the ways of Jesus Christ and surrender our wills to Him by allowing Him to take control, He will always have our best interest in mind.  We live in a sinful fallen world where people often cause great harm to others, and though evil happening to us is not in God's will, He can use our hurtful circumstances for His glory.  

May I always be able to focus on the bigger picture, even when the outcome is unclear.  May I be obedient to God's calling and not dwell on my circumstances, never squandering the opportunity to bless others. 

(Genesis 45:1-15) Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, "Cause every man to go out from me." And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard.

And Joseph said unto his brethren, "I am Joseph; doth my father yet live?"

And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence. 

And Joseph said unto his brethren, "Come near to me, I pray you." And they came near. And he said, "I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, 'Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not: And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast: And there will I nourish thee...'"

Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him. 

(Genesis 50:15-21) And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, "Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him."

And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, "Thy father did command before he died, saying, 'So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father.'"

 And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. 

And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, "Behold, we be thy servants."

And Joseph said unto them, "Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones." And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

Genesis 37:5-11 & Chapters 40-41, Joseph, The Dreamer & Interpreter

 

Genesis 37:5-11 & Chapters 40-41, Joseph, The Dreamer & Interpreter

God gave Joseph the gift of prophetic dreams as well as the gift of interpreting the dreams of others. When you read the entire story of Joseph, you see how this gift is what directed his future.

As a young man, he has dreams prophesying that his entire family would someday bow down to him (Genesis 37:5-11). In combination with these dreams and Joseph's father showing him favoritism by making him the coat of many colors, his brothers ultimately decide to sell him into slavery.

After Joseph is falsely accused of attacking his boss' wife, he is thrown into prison. While there, two of his fellow inmates, a butler and a baker both have strange dreams. Joseph is able to accurately interpret their dreams. The baker dies as God predicted through Joseph, and the butler is set free. However, after he is released from prison, the butler forgets all about Joseph's gift.

Yet, God never forgets. Two years later, He gives Pharaoh a dream that no one can interpret. It is then the butler remembers Joseph and makes sure he is called upon to use his gift from God.

In Genesis 41:16 Joseph humbly states, "It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace."

Joseph tells Pharaoh that his dream means there will be seven years of great prosperity followed by seven years of famine. Because Joseph is able to offer an interpretation, Pharoah releases Joseph from prison and puts him in charge. Pharoah then makes preparations to start a storehouse of food to last for seven years of the upcoming famine.

Because God blessed Joseph when in captivity with such an amazing gift, many lives were spared. It even led him to be reunited with his estranged brothers. Just as he had dreamed many years ago, they were now bowing before their younger brother as he stood in authority over them. Joseph could have sought revenge but ultimately chose instead to repay them with kindness as well as making sure they and their father Jacob survive the famine (I will write more about this later.).

Make no mistake, God still gives His faithful children dreams and visions of the future (or even as a way to comfort, warn, and even to chastise and correct) as well as helping them to interpret the dreams of others. For those of us who are granted such a gift, we need to be as bold as Joseph and tell us what God has showed us and not worry if we are believed or not.

May we always use the gifts of God to bless others, no matter what our circumstances. And may we be humble enough to give God the glory and not take credit for what God has done through us.

(Genesis 37:5-11) And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. And he said unto them, "Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf."

And his brethren said to him, "Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us?" And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.

And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, "Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. "

And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, "What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?" And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

(Chapters 40-41 are too long to post here, please read them on your own.)

Genesis 39:1-23: Joseph, Favored in Spite of Adversity

 

Genesis 39:1-23: Joseph, Favored in Spite of Adversity

The story of Joseph begins in Genesis 37 and ends with his death in Genesis 50.  Out of 12 sons, Joseph is the 11th born son of Jacob.  He is his father's favorite so much so that Jacob makes Joseph a special "coat of many colors" (Genesis 37:3).  To make matters worse, Joseph receives dreams from God that tell him he will someday be the leader over his entire family (I will further address his dreams in the next post).   

To the majority of his brothers, Joseph has become the intolerable spoiled son.  They plot to kill him, but one brother, Ruben, talks the others into selling Joseph into slavery instead.  It is sadly ironic if you think about it.  Jacob was the "supplanter" of his family by tricking and deceiving his twin brother and even his father into receiving the birthright and a special blessing that should have belonging to Esau.  And now Jacob is being tricked into believing his favorite child has been killed by wild animals and will not know until many years later that Joseph was sold behind his back to the Egyptians.

In spite of his dire circumstances, God blesses Joseph.  In Genesis 39:2-6 it says that "the Lord was with Joseph" and that "his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand."  God even allowed all of Potiphar's house to be blessed for Joseph's sake.  What a miracle that a young foreigner was held in so much esteem!

Unfortunately, Joseph again faces another horrible situation.  Potiphar's wife is attracted to the handsome Joseph and makes advances towards him.  But because Joseph is a man of moral character, he refuses to give in to her.  In her scorn, she falsely accuses him of attacking her and Joseph gets arrested.  Once again, Joseph is a prisoner, but now instead of being thrown into a pit by his hatefully envious brothers, he is thrown into a jail by his boss' wickedly indecent wife.   

However, Joseph is again made to prosper in captivity.  Genesis 39:20-23 shows that "the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison."  The warden even "committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the Lord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper."  Another miracle from God's merciful hand!

God continued to bless Joseph in captivity.  Joseph, we can assume, was gifted with intelligence, an accommodating personality, as well perhaps a humble charisma.  He was obviously amiable and those in charge were impressed with him.

God will use our personality traits and talents to prosper us as long as we are willing to serve Him and refuse to give into the temptations of this world.  Circumstances cannot rob us of God's intended blessings or plans for our lives.

Genesis 32:24-30: Why did the Lord approach Jacob to wrestle with Him?

 

Genesis 32:24-30: Why did the Lord approach Jacob to wrestle with Him?

In Genesis 32:24-30, a man meets Jacob while he is alone on the way the be reunited with his estranged brother Esau.  The man wrestles with Jacob "until the breaking of day," and it is revealed that it is not a man after all, but the Lord Himself.  

The Lord touched Jacob's hip and sets it out of the joint.  When the Lord tells Jacob to let Him go, Jacob refuses and says, "I will not let Thee go except The Lord bless me."  The Lord blesses Jacob and tells him his name is no longer Jacob, which means "supplanter," but is now Israel, which means "he struggles with God."  

When reading this story, it is easy to get caught up in the whys. Why did the Lord approach Jacob to wrestle Him in the first place?  Why was Jacob so much stronger that the Lord had to put his hip out of the socket?  And why was Jacob insisting God bless him when back in Gensis 28:11-22, we read that God had already promised to bless Jacob with many descendants.    

The wrestling may have been somewhat symbolic. Perhaps because Jacob struggled against his flesh for so long to be a deceiver before he let God change him to becoming a man of better moral character.

Also, the Lord may grab a hold of us to get our attention.  It is how He forces us to focus on Him alone.  Sometimes it is through a tragedy or illness, or maybe through something more positive such as a vision, but He will get our attention.  With Jacob, maybe the only way he would be still enough to pay attention and listen to God was forcing him into a wrestling match. Remember in the above-mentioned chapter 28, that God chose to get Jacob's attention through a dream.  Maybe Jacob was one who rarely stood still and the only way to get through a restless body or mind was while he was sleeping or being forced to pay attention and physically holding him in place.  I can only speculate, of course, but I know for myself my mind rarely shuts up and the best way God gets my attention is through dreams or visions just as I am going to sleep or waking up.  

The answer to the second question is not that Jacob was stronger, as no one is stronger than the Lord, he was just so stubborn that he refused to let go.  Again, perhaps the wrestling was all symbolic of Jacob's spiritual journey.  The Lord could have easily tossed Jacob aside like a rag doll, but he wanted Jacob to remember this profoundly unique experience so that Jacob would not slip back into his old ways as a trickster. This may also be why God made Jacob go lame; to humble Jacob and to give him a permanent reminder of the day he wrestled with God.  Sometimes we also need a permanent scar to remember that God is stronger than our own stubbornness but also loves us very much and will bless us when it aligns with His perfect will. 

Now in answer to the third question, why was Jacob demanding more blessings, well, maybe we see that same side of greed in him that we saw when he twice tricked his own twin brother out of a birthright and a blessing.  How many other people never seem to get enough and continually demand more and more from God?  Even if this was the case, God was still gracious toward Jacob.

Sometimes we need to be more like Jacob and grab ahold of God and say, "I'm not letting you go until you bless me."  Don't stop praying or asking.  It is not disrespectful; it is being persistent and asking God to bless us in an area of great importance. (See Luke 18:1-8, The Parable of the Persistent Widow.)

Yet, we also need to find the proper balance when it comes to asking things from the Holy of Holies.  We should not be like Jacob and become selfish and demand more from an already gracious God.  If we are so greedy, we may even end up with a figurative or literal hip out of joint as a way of God telling us calm down and listen to him.

What is just as vital is not to let go after the blessing has been gifted.  Do not just say "Thanks, God," and then go back to ignoring Him or only praying when you're in need.  Honor God by living for Him and showing Him how grateful you are for all His blessings.

Another thing to notice in this story is that God does not choose to wrestle with Jacob until Jacob has shown humility (see earlier in Genesis 32:1-21).  Jacob is willing to repay Esau for all the wrong he did by offering up livestock.  Of course, he also did it to spare his own life, but there was a new humility in him. 

I am not saying never, but God rarely blesses the haughty people or those with unrepentant hearts.  The blessings are more likely to flow when we are living holy lives. Just because someone is wealthy, it does not mean it came from God. 

If God came to me, I pray I would have the endurance to hold on until He blessed me, and then humbly thanked Him for all He has done!

If you are interested, here is a link to a blog my husband and I wrote titled, "Bless me or bless the Father?" that deals more on the subject of asking God for blessings: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/search?q=bless+me+or+bless+the+father

(Genesis 32:24-30) And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with Him until the breaking of the day. And when He saw that he prevailed not against him, He touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.

And He said, "Let me go, for the day breaketh."

And he said, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me."

And He said unto him, "What is thy name?"

And he said, "Jacob."

And He said, "Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed."

And Jacob asked Him, and said, "Tell me, I pray thee, thy name."

And He said, "Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name?" And He blessed him there.

And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: "for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved."