“From this day forward, I will bless you” (Haggai 2:19).
Have you seen the commercial slogan which asks the penetrating question, “Eventually, why not now?” Properly understood and applied, the message of that slogan can change our lives.
There is a day of deliverance for every one of us, a day when God rends the heavens and intervenes on our behalf. According to this verse, for you and me that day is today!
Bringing our faith from futuristic hope and desire to present-tense “today-is-the-day!” expectation is not something you and I can do in and of ourselves. “Only believe” is only possible when we have some solid basis for belief.
All our optimism, enthusiasm, clichés, “buzz words,” success slogans, positive mental attitudes, and even “confession of the Word” can be helpful. But the truth is that ultimately the only way you and I can believe strongly enough to transform future hope into present assurance is by receiving a personal word directly from the Lord to us.
Today’s verse is that word: “From this day forward, I will bless you!”
This verse not only promises us immediate deliverance today, it is also enhances hope for tomorrow. “From this day forward” indicates that this is not a “one-time” blessing; this is a whole new way of life!
“Not only am I setting you free from all poverty, fear, sickness, trouble, and weakness,” the Lord says to us, “but for the rest of your life, I will continually bless you with good things.” You and I have a lot to look forward to! Believe it and see!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.