Benefits

Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! [Psalm 103.1-5]

What benefit is there in serving God Almighty?

Well...

He does good things for those who are His.

He forgives all the sins of His own.

He heals all the diseases of His own.

He redeems His people from death.

He gives love and tender mercies to His people.

He fills the lives of those who serve Him with good things.

He renews His people's strength like that of an eagle (they soar above all circumstances).

If what we call religion is not providing the benefits listed above, then, what we call religion is nothing but a farce! 

Religion is nothing but a farce if it does not provide all these benefits because the God of the Bible, Almighty God, Jehovah, is a God of benefit to His people. Psalm 103.1-5 says so.

It is high time "God's people" do a self check-up - an internal audit, if you will. If God's benefits are missing, then, something is wrong!

Did you ever think someone was in the house with you, but when you called out to them, they were not there? When you did a thorough search of the house and discovered they were in fact not there, did you continue to say they were there? No, that would be silly. But, that is exactly what so many "Christians" do. They call out to God, get no answers - no benefits - and still declare that God is with them. Really?

God has defined Himself in so many ways in the Bible. All of the ways God defines Himself are beneficial to His people - those who obey Him. Why then would we say "God is with us" when none of His benefits are seen?

The world thinks Christians are stupid. Is it any wonder why?

Paul warned Timothy about this very thing:

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! [2 Timothy 3.1-5]

Father, forgive me for making a mockery of Who You Are by claiming all Your benefits without demonstrating them. Forgive me for misleading others in this way too. Forgive me for "acting religious but rejecting the power - the benefits..."