By Josie Siler
So many things happen in life because of who you know. As I delve into the world of writing and authors I’m finding this truth enforced, and reinforced. It’s all about connections. Of course, talent and skill are part of the equation too!
They call it networking. True networking is more than a connection, it’s a relationship. We don’t connect with someone only looking for what we can get out of it – what they can do for us. There’s give and take, supporting each other, and helping each other fulfill our dreams in any way we can.
My first published work, a book that I could hold in my hands and smell as it came out of the box all fresh and new, came because of a connection. An opportunity was presented to me and I said “yes.” My dear friend Katy (you know Katy Kauffman, she designs Broken but Priceless: The Magazine) asked me to write a guest post for her blog. It was part of a series and I was happy to do it.
So many things happen in life because of who you know. As I delve into the world of writing and authors I’m finding this truth enforced, and reinforced. It’s all about connections. Of course, talent and skill are part of the equation too!
They call it networking. True networking is more than a connection, it’s a relationship. We don’t connect with someone only looking for what we can get out of it – what they can do for us. There’s give and take, supporting each other, and helping each other fulfill our dreams in any way we can.
My first published work, a book that I could hold in my hands and smell as it came out of the box all fresh and new, came because of a connection. An opportunity was presented to me and I said “yes.” My dear friend Katy (you know Katy Kauffman, she designs Broken but Priceless: The Magazine) asked me to write a guest post for her blog. It was part of a series and I was happy to do it.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think saying “yes” to writing a blog post would lead to my first published work in a compilation when Katy turned that series into a book. That blessing came to me because of a connection, a relationship, a friendship.
Spiritual blessings also come to us because of Who we know. Ephesians 1:3 (NLT) says, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ (emphasis mine).”
We’re blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we’re united with Jesus Christ. Think about that for a minute. Every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms is ours. Fausset and Brown define blessings as:
blessings--Greek, “blessing.” “All,” that is, “every possible blessing for time and eternity, which the Spirit has to bestow.”[1]
And how do we get these blessings? Through our unity with Christ. Jesus is the source of every spiritual blessing. He’s our ultimate networking connection. It’s the most important relationship we’ll ever have.
Unlike connections and advancement in the field of writing (or any other field) I don’t need talent or ability, I just need Jesus. He will give me the talent to do the work that has been prepared in advance for me to do. He will give me the ability to love God and love others.
We’re blessed for the same reason Abram was blessed way back in Genesis 12:2. “…I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.” We’re blessed so that we can be a blessing to others. Just like networking, when we’re blessed and advance, it’s our job to bless others and bring them up with us.
So what are some of the spiritual blessings we receive through Christ? Ephesians 1 (NLT) goes on to list several spiritual blessings:
1. God chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes (verse 4)
2. God adopted us into His own family (verse 5)
3. God brought us to Himself through Jesus Christ (verse 5)
4. God poured out His glorious grace on us (verse 6)
5. God purchased our freedom with the blood of Jesus (verse 7)
6. God forgave our sins (verse 7)
7. God has showered us with kindness, wisdom, and understanding (verse 8)
All of these blessings are found in one paragraph. There are so many more! What other spiritual blessings can you think of?
Today, let’s say “yes” to the spiritual blessings God offers us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Let’s celebrate our unity with Him. Remember that God blesses us so that we can bless others. Share in the comments one way that God has blessed you or one way that you have been able to be a blessing to someone else.
Spiritual blessings also come to us because of Who we know. Ephesians 1:3 (NLT) says, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ (emphasis mine).”
We’re blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we’re united with Jesus Christ. Think about that for a minute. Every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms is ours. Fausset and Brown define blessings as:
blessings--Greek, “blessing.” “All,” that is, “every possible blessing for time and eternity, which the Spirit has to bestow.”[1]
And how do we get these blessings? Through our unity with Christ. Jesus is the source of every spiritual blessing. He’s our ultimate networking connection. It’s the most important relationship we’ll ever have.
Unlike connections and advancement in the field of writing (or any other field) I don’t need talent or ability, I just need Jesus. He will give me the talent to do the work that has been prepared in advance for me to do. He will give me the ability to love God and love others.
We’re blessed for the same reason Abram was blessed way back in Genesis 12:2. “…I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.” We’re blessed so that we can be a blessing to others. Just like networking, when we’re blessed and advance, it’s our job to bless others and bring them up with us.
So what are some of the spiritual blessings we receive through Christ? Ephesians 1 (NLT) goes on to list several spiritual blessings:
1. God chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes (verse 4)
2. God adopted us into His own family (verse 5)
3. God brought us to Himself through Jesus Christ (verse 5)
4. God poured out His glorious grace on us (verse 6)
5. God purchased our freedom with the blood of Jesus (verse 7)
6. God forgave our sins (verse 7)
7. God has showered us with kindness, wisdom, and understanding (verse 8)
All of these blessings are found in one paragraph. There are so many more! What other spiritual blessings can you think of?
Today, let’s say “yes” to the spiritual blessings God offers us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Let’s celebrate our unity with Him. Remember that God blesses us so that we can bless others. Share in the comments one way that God has blessed you or one way that you have been able to be a blessing to someone else.
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[1] Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 341). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
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