Blessings

November 5th – 68:19

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Psalm 68:19

Each day overflows with blessings from God. And it’s easy to be thankful for the ones we can tangibly see and feel. But are we just as thankful for the daily blessings we don’t see? Blessings such as food, clothing, shelter, and safety. Blessings we can so easily take for granted. Each day whether we are coming or going, the Lord is always behind the scenes, baring our burdens along the way. For His work wasn’t finished at the Cross. Even now, Jesus stands at the right hand of Father, interceding on our behalf. He fights for against our enemies, and cares about the poor, afflicted, and downtrodden. Never once do we face a single day on this earth alone. Not when we have Jesus as our Lord and Savior. For as the song says, “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.”

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August 29th – Acts 5:41

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Acts 5:41

When the Council of Pharisees and the chief priests had Peter and the apostles beaten for spreading the message of Jesus, you’d think they would have stopped preaching. But instead, bloodied and bruised, they rejoiced for being worthy of suffering for the Lord. As Christians we risk persecution and even physical safety for sharing the gospel. Yet like Peter, instead of defeating us, it should empower us to stand firm in faith. For God tells us to consider it a great blessing to suffer and identify with our Savior. Because the Enemy saves his greatest attacks for the strongest of Christians. Those who are actively working for God in expanding His kingdom. The last thing he wants is for us to share the Good News of Jesus and rip souls out of his hands. But that’s what we are called to do, and we need to have courage and determination to serve God above all else. So rejoice when you have the honor of suffering for Jesus, the One who suffered to save you!

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August 22nd – Matthew 5:12

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Matthew 5:12

Proverbs 10:18 says, “He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and he who spreads slander is a fool.” Throughout history Christians have been falsely accused of many things. Cannibalism, treason, immorality, and fanaticism were just a few. And Jesus Himself was the recipient of many unfounded and ridiculous accusations, for many were His enemies. It hurts when we find ourselves on the receiving end of other people’s lies and rumors. Yet Jesus tells us when we are mistreated for our faith, to “rejoice and be exceedingly glad.” Literally translated this means that when we are persecuted we should, “leap for joy”! Because just like God’s prophets before us, our reward in heaven will be greater than we could ever imagine! It’s hard to see our reputations dragged through the mud as a blessing. But one day as we stand at the side of a Jesus, our victory will be complete and the critics silenced forever!

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August 17th – Esther 4:14

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Esther 4:14

With all of the violence and persecution facing Christians around the world, it’s easy to get discouraged. But now more than ever, it’s time to stop remaining silent and start working for God’s kingdom. Because with or without us, God’s plans will be fulfilled. And it’s up to us whether or not we choose to receive the blessing of being a useful part of that plan. Think of Esther. If she hadn’t answered God’s call, He still would have saved His people. But Esther wouldn’t have shared in God’s glory, or had been queen if she told God no. As Christians we are called “with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began” (2 Tim. 1:9). That means in His perfect timing, God has placed us right where He wants us. So no matter the circumstance, rejoice! For not only has God made you for a time such as this, He gives us the privilege of working with Him hand in hand!

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December 8th – Acts 20:35

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Acts 20:35

We’ve all heard the old adage that it’s better to give than receive. Why? Because that’s when we truly exemplify the very nature of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It was the Lord Himself who said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” There could never be a greater gift than the one Jesus gave to us. Out of hearts of gratitude we should pay forward the love, grace, and mercy He shows us daily. And when we bless others, we in turn are the ones who receive the blessing from God! (Prov. 19:17)

 

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November 14th – 2 Corinthians 9:12

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2 Corinthians 9:12

The Bible makes it very clear that God blesses us to bless others. Christians should consider it a gift to be able to help meet the needs of those around us. For once we were destitute in spirit, dead in sin, and separated from God. But through the blood of Jesus, we are now reconciled to the Father, washed clean, and called His own. And out of overflowing hearts of thankfulness for the Lord’s sacrifice and His many blessings, we should be eager and joyful to demonstrate Christ’s love for us to others.

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November 12th – 1 Timothy 4:4

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1 Timothy 4:4

Awhile back a friend of mine, who knows a bit about the Bible yet practices another faith, asked me about the book of Leviticus. He didn’t understand why I, as a Christian, didn’t follow the book’s rules forbidding certain foods. I explained that once we were under the Law, but now through the victory of Jesus, we are under grace. Through His death, Christ gave us the freedom to enjoy all of God’s blessings, including food and marriage. All He asks is that we receive His gifts with hearts of thanksgiving and gratitude.

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November 8th – Hebrews 13:15

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Hebrews 13:15

Do you ever wonder what it means to offer up a “sacrifice of praise” to Jesus? When it comes to praise, it’s easy to rejoice and give thanks to God when we get what we want. But what about when we don’t? Do we still thank Him when His answer to prayer is no? Do we rejoice when we see another’s blessing while waiting on our own? To offer up a sacrifice of praise means, despite disappointment, to have a heart filled with gratitude and lips which speak words of thankfulness for the goodness, grace, and love of God.

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October 31 – Ephesians 1:18

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Ephesians 1:18

Gratitude is important. God wants us to be thankful everyday for the blessings that He so freely gives us. But you know what else is important? Joy. God also wants us to feel the joy that comes with His blessings. Joy from knowing that our Father in heaven, through His unmerited love, sent His Son to die so that we can live. God calls us beloved, righteous, and His. He blesses us abundantly not because He has to, but because He wants to. And knowing this, should light up our hearts with great joy!

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