Great Blessings

Great Blessings

Hebrews 7: ⁴ You see, then, how great he was. Abraham, our famous ancestor, gave him one tenth of all he got in the battle. ⁵ And those descendants of Levi who are priests are commanded by the Law to collect one tenth from the people of Israel, that is, from their own people, even though they are also descendants of Abraham. ⁶ Melchizedek was not descended from Levi, but he collected one tenth from Abraham and blessed him, the man who received God's promises. ⁷ There is no doubt that the one who blesses is greater than the one who is blessed. 

 

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A customer left a great rating about my service. I was honored to receive the rating and realized how much the good word meant to other people. My service was not as important as the rating received because other people believed in the ratings.

 

• I was the recipient of a blessing.
• My word about my company was not as powerful as my customer’s word.
• I wanted “my” word to be enough, but it took the blessing of a customer to get others to believe.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, spoke highly of Abraham. He mentions that Abraham was “famous”, yet still gave Melchizedek one tenth of all he collected in battle. The writer goes on to mention that priests still follow this example, showing the greatness of the act. He then closes with speaking about greatness.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS has blessed me to be one of HIS servants.
• I can never be greater than JESUS.
• GOD wants me to be a servant, which will translate to HIM declaring me as “great.”

 

The first will be last and last will be first” is one of JESUS’ promises. HE sees “greatness” when I follow HIS example by serving those who do not look or act like me. Even when I fall, JESUS is great enough to pick me up and use me for HIS good.

 

Feeling blessed is different than being declared blessed. I mean, when JESUS mentions “blessed are the…” HE is talking about me and you. HE is greater than us and pours out HIS blessings on us. I gladly accept HIS blessings today.

 

Challenge

• What blessing is the writer speaking of?
• Have you ever had a reference or a referral from someone who spoke highly of you?
• Will you speak highly of someone so he or she can see JESUS and accept HIS great blessings today?

Welcomed and Recognized

Welcomed and Recognized

1 Corinthians 16: ¹⁹ The churches in the province of Asia send you their greetings; Aquila and Priscilla and the church that meets in their house send warm Christian greetings. ²⁰ All the believers here send greetings.

Greet one another with the kiss of peace.

²¹ With my own hand I write this: Greetings from Paul.

²² Whoever does not love the Lord—a curse on him!

Marana tha—Our Lord, come!

²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

²⁴ My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.

 

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“Come in! Grab a plate and sit anywhere!” were words that made me feel welcome. I wasn’t sure about this group. I had played some words of doubt in my mind. “What if I don’t know anyone there?” And “What will I say?” And “What if I am alone, will I stand out as an embarrassment?” I went to the gathering despite my shy thoughts.

 

• I had been laughed at in the past.
• I had been places where I wasn’t welcome and was made to feel less than the other guests.
• I had gone places alone and was left alone by other people.

 

Paul completes his letter with a warm greeting. He sent a greeting from many people and reminded everyone to do the same. Greeting means welcomed and recognized. One important recognition he sent in his greeting was that of JESUS.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to be intentional with making people feel welcome.
• GOD wants me to send words of peace to those I meet.
• GOD wants me to recognize when another human is in proximity to me, even if it is with a smile.

 

Feeling welcome and recognized makes me relax for a moment. I mean the world has me ready for a fight and I gather information for combat. BUT GOD wants peace. HE wants me to receive peace and give it whenever I can.

 

Greeting doesn’t need to be robotic like a large grocery store chain. It can be heartfelt and loving, especially when the purpose is to provide the love of JESUS. I greet all who read this and send my love to you in CHRIST JESUS.

 

Challenge

• How do you feel when reading the words of greeting from the writer?
• How do you make people feel welcome and recognized?
• Will you be genuine with your desire to greet people for the purpose of spreading the love of JESUS today?

Blessings

 

Blessings

Romans 11: ¹¹ I ask, then: When the Jews stumbled, did they fall to their ruin? By no means! Because they sinned, salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make the Jews jealous of them. ¹² The sin of the Jews brought rich blessings to the world, and their spiritual poverty brought rich blessings to the Gentiles. Then, how much greater the blessings will be when the complete number of Jews is included!

 

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“Want these?” was the question as I was handed two newish TV’s and some barely used tools. The office was closing and they had no need for the lobby televisions and the tools used for minor repairs. “Sure” I replied. I couldn’t believe they were going to throw these items away!

 

• Many times I have received valuable things people did not want.
• Many times I have been the benefactor of something valuable by those who did not see the value.
• Many times I have obtained what was unwanted and felt very blessed.

 

Paul explains that the Jews stumbled when they did not believe in JESUS was the Messiah they had been searching for. This sin saved the Gentiles which brought rich blessings on a group that was not looking to be blessed. This rich blessing of salvation is used to make those who overlooked the blessing, jealous. One day, the full count of all believers, Jews and Gentiles, will be counted.

 

• GOD has poured out HIS blessings on me.
• GOD has given me so much, that I cannot thank HIM enough.
• GOD has provided for me to overflowing, spiritually.

 

When is comes to blessings, GOD cannot be beat. HE has so much to give and cannot seem to hold it back. When one group rejects HIS blessings, another benefits. HE looks at me the same way. If I choose to refuse HIS blessings, HE will pour them out on someone else who was not even looking for them.

 

BUT GOD is also gracious. HE knows I may stumble and overlook HIS blessings when I look for the blessings to come in a way I expect. HE does not mind when I come back to HIM and ask “Can I be included in YOUR blessings?” when I have overlooked what I was supposed to thank HIM for in the first place. I am glad GOD’s grace is sufficient.

 

• Are you looking for GOD to bless you and HE already has?
• What rich blessings are you overlooking?
• Will you ask GOD to open your eyes to the extreme blessings HE has provided you so your heart may grow to overflowing today?

Thankful

Thankful

John 17: ⁶ “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. ⁷ Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. ⁸ For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.

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Remembering the bonuses of the past, I was excited to open the check. It was much lower than it had ever been. My excitement immediately went away. I had worked pretty hard that year and could see no reason for the deficit. I was not happy.

• I wanted to trade in my thankfulness for a complaint.
• I expected more when I should have expected nothing.
• I based my happiness on what I could see, rather than knowing what was really happening.

JESUS speaks to the FATHER about HIS disciples. But the words really point out just how far JESUS went to help them.

• GOD wants me to know that JESUS made HIS name known to me.
• GOD wants me to know that JESUS gave me the words that came from the FATHER.
• GOD wants me to know that JESUS came from the FATHER who sent HIM to save me.

Getting back to the bonus. I asked about the lower amount the next day. “The company did not do as well this year, however, you got the highest  in the department” the person said. I was angry when I should have been thankful. Sometimes I treat GOD the same way.

JESUS went out of HIS way to make sure humans would return back to HIM. I must receive JESUS’ words and believe HE came from the FATHER, just as HE said. This belief gives me a thankful heart. I drop my complaints and praise GOD for what HE does. I am thankful.

• Are you thankful?
• Will you be able to look at what GOD has done for you today?
• Will you allow GOD to open your eyes to HIS blessings and thank HIM today?

Recognition

Recognition

John 12: ¹² The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, ¹³ took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out:

“Hosanna!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
The King of Israel!”

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“Want to attend this event?” was a question posed to me by a co-worker. “Sure” I said, not knowing what the event was. When we arrived, there was a red carpet for us to walk on. People took pictures of me as I was walking into the entrance. “Who do they think I am?” I thought to myself. When I got in, there were stars and professional football players. It was one of the athlete’s birthday and he put on a star studded event.

• I have seen people who get a lot of attention.
• I have been in a position where people recognized me.
• I have attended events where only those who had “special” access could get in.

JESUS came into town after performing many miracles that were seen by huge crowds. There could be no denial, this was and is THE KING. People recognized HIM and made sure no mud would get on HIS feet. There were also some who waved the branches in celebration!

• JESUS wants me to recognize HIM as my Savior.
• JESUS wants me to make HIM the celebrity of my life.
• JESUS wants me to get excited about HIS presence, each and every day.

Focusing in on JESUS is something that should be done daily. But sometimes work, or worries or winsome things distract me from celebrating GOD. HE wants me to shout HIS name and say “Thank YOU!” JESUS deserves my praise. I am glad to give it to HIM.

• What celebrities are you following?
• Do you know more about them than you do about JESUS?
• Will you reduce your elevation of other humans and elevate JESUS to GOD of your life today?

Unrecognized

Luke 24: ¹³ Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. ¹⁴ They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. ¹⁵ As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; ¹⁶ but they were kept from recognising him.

¹⁷ He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’

They stood still, their faces downcast. ¹⁸ One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, ‘Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?’

¹⁹ ‘What things?’ he asked.

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Calling out my name, a person emerged from the crowd with a huge smile. They asked about my family by name and then encouraged me. I smiled back but did not know who I was talking to.

• Many times I have run into people I was supposed to know but did not recognize them.
• Many times I have been recognized by people and I had no clue as to who they were.
• Many times I failed to recognize someone who was supposed to be important to me.

Cleopas and another person was walking to Emmaus, speaking about JESUS. They did not recognize HIM as HE joined them in their walk. In fact, they wondered if HE was the only one who did not know what was going on as they sulked about the death of JESUS. BUT HE was alive!

• JESUS wants me to recognize what HE is doing in my life on a daily basis.
• JESUS wants me to recognize HIS blessings on my life.
• JESUS wants me to recognize HIS love for me.

Recognizing JESUS can be difficult at times. I mean when I haven’t walked with HIM in a while, I forget what HE looks like and think the blessings I have come from me. BUT HE walks with me anyway. JESUS would rather have me open my eyes to HIM on a daily basis. I am grateful HE is always beside me.

• Are you having trouble recognizing what GOD is doing in your life?
• Do you think GOD has left you?
• Would you stop thinking you can do things on your own and allow GOD to work in your life today?

Gifts and Talents

Matthew 25: ¹⁴ “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. ¹⁵ To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. ¹⁶ The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. ¹⁷ So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. ¹⁸ But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

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“Wow, you are talented” someone said to me for the first time. I was used to being ostracized and laughed at. “How do you do that?” they asked. “I don’t know… I just do it. I replied. It felt good to be noticed for something good for a change.

• Every once in a while I have been recognized for a talent.
• Every once in a while I have been recognized for what I could do.
• Every once in a while I have been given an award or a pat on the back for “my” accomplishments.

After a while I craved positive validation from the crowd and I got it. Soon “I” was the one who could solve any and every problem. I wasn’t thankful for “my” talents.

• GOD wants me to be thankful for the talents HE gave me.
• GOD wants me to use the abilities HE gave me to grow HIS kingdom.
• GOD wants me to recognize that nothing I do comes from “me” rather it was HE who created me.

JESUS starts off the story with an analogy of money as a gift HE gives to people according to their ability. HE gave me my gifts and talents according to what I could handle. I do not need to be jealous of others.

• Are you jealous over someone’s talents?
• Do you think your abilities come from you or GOD?
• Can you acknowledge that GOD has given you gifts and wants you to use them for HIS kingdom?

Do Well

Ecclesiastes 12: ¹³ Now all has been heard;
    here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
    for this is the duty of all mankind.
¹⁴ For God will bring every deed into judgment,
    including every hidden thing,
    whether it is good or evil.

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Confused about life, I just sat at the edge of my bed wondering “what am I supposed to be doing?” I mean, I had desires but life was difficult for me at this particular time. Even the people I went to see for help were there only to talk “at” me, not “to” me. I wondered why I was, where I was. I could get no answers.

• There have been times where I felt lost.
• There have been times where I felt distressed.
• There have been times where I felt as if I had no hope.

Confusion is the curious word that I wondered about. Why was I confused? I found out that confusion is caused by unmet expectations coupled with strong desires. This leaves a huge gap that keeps me from going with the flow. BUT GOD has a plan.

• GOD said to me “I AM the author of peace, not confusion.”
• GOD said to me “I CAN guide you to rest and peace if you would follow MY ways.”
• GOD said to me “I WILL be with you always, even when other people fall away.”

I soon started following GOD again and soon realized that my confusion came from following the world. When I started helping people instead of helping myself my deeds changed into blessings for many, including myself. I started thriving again.

• Are you confused?
• Do you think you are worthless?
• Can you believe that GOD made you for a purpose?
• Will you stop looking at the circumstances and start looking at GOD who will give you strength?
• Will you add a tiny bit of belief to your day?

Rescue is Only a Question Away

Psalm 144: ¹⁰ to the One who gives victory to kings,
    who delivers his servant David.

From the deadly sword ¹¹ deliver me;
    rescue me from the hands of foreigners
whose mouths are full of lies,
    whose right hands are deceitful.

¹² Then our sons in their youth
    will be like well-nurtured plants,
and our daughters will be like pillars
    carved to adorn a palace.
¹³ Our barns will be filled
    with every kind of provision.
Our sheep will increase by thousands,
    by tens of thousands in our fields;
¹⁴     our oxen will draw heavy loads.
There will be no breaching of walls,
    no going into captivity,
    no cry of distress in our streets.
¹⁵ Blessed is the people of whom this is true;
    blessed is the people whose God is the Lord.

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David was fleeing for his life and a few times this was true for me. From being chased by bullies, thugs and gang members, running became a solution of necessity. As an adult I remember running from other bullies in companies, creditors and collection agencies. Fear filled my bones, BUT GOD was always there.

• GOD tells me “Stand still and watch the salvation of the LORD.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the only path to deliverance.”
• GOD whispers to me “I AM the gate; no one gets into the kingdom but by ME.”

The LORD is truly my shepherd, I shall not want. HE gives me peace and restores me even when I don’t deserve it. I am excited that I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever!

• Can you place your full trust in GOD today?
• Will you stand still and watch the deliverance of the LORD?
• Can you be honest with GOD and let HIM know your needs without stating them in anger?
• Will you let GOD be your LORD today?

A Life of Impact

2 Kings 20: ⁴ Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him: ⁵ “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the Lord. 

⁶ I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.’”

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“What are you guys going to do today?” one of my fathers asked. My buddy and I said “I don’t know, probably go out and have some fun.” “Is that it?” he questioned. Then he said some “blah, blah” stuff.  Why is he asking me about my future? Doesn’t he know there is a new club that just opened and we wanted to check it out?

• Sometimes I act like I will live forever.
• Sometimes I don’t look into the future.
• Sometimes I waste precious moments doing nothing of value.

I have known people who have faced their mortality and when they recover they live life very differently.  Each day seemed to be a blessing and the worries they used to have seemed to disappear. As I observed these people they did have some common.

• They told me “Care about people.”
• They told me “Trust in the LORD.”
• They told me “Count your blessings.”

Life is too short to be worrying and complaining all the time. Being preoccupied on the trials takes away time I could have spent with GOD, doing what HE wants me to do. Someone else said this to me… “What if you KNEW you were going to die next week, how would you spend your time living your life?” Then live that life now.

This statement reached me. Now I see life as a marvelous adventure GOD has placed in front of me. Every day is a blessing that HE made and the more I realize HE made it, the less I complain or worry.

• Are you complaining about something?
• Are you overcome with worry, fear and doubt?
• What if you knew you were going to die soon, how should you live your life?
• Are you seeking GOD’s kingdom and preparing people for CHRIST’s return?

GOD’s Elevator

1 Kings 16: Then the word of the Lord came to Jehu son of Hanani concerning Baasha: ² “I lifted you up from the dust and appointed you ruler over my people Israel, but you followed the ways of Jeroboam and caused my people Israel to sin and to arouse my anger by their sins. 

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“You are one of the best” someone said to me. I said “Thank you” and moved on. Another person said “You are THE best we have.” I said “Thank you and by the way, have you noticed how other people are slacking off around here?” In fact the more I got complimented, the more I complained about my surroundings.

• Sometimes I think “I” am talented.
• Sometimes I think “I” am the one who is smart.
• Sometimes I think “I” am needed and they are disposable.

It seems like the higher I go the blinder I become as to how I got there. Once I reach a certain height then I think “I” did it all and no one else helped me. BUT GOD wants me to understand where blessings truly come from.

• GOD is the one who has raised me up and HE wants me to proclaim HIS name every step of the way.
• GOD is the one who has raised me up and HE wants me to show appreciation by following HIS way.
• GOD is the one who has raised me up and HE wants me to thank HIM instead of thanking myself.

Recognizing GOD is a must. HE protects me, leads me and loves me so why not proclaim HIS name? Proclaiming HIS name comes with a price. It means I can’t falsely thank HIM and secretly follow the world. I must give each god to GOD and let HIM do HIS way with them. If HE chooses to tear them from my hands I must thank HIM instead of cursing HIM.

• Have you recognized where GOD has brought you?
• Do you think you got where you are by yourself?
• Can you tell others about GOD and how HE has blessed you?
• Can you take your blinders off for a moment and drop the complaints from your lips?

I’m Jealous

1 Samuel 18: ⁶ When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres. ⁷ As they danced, they sang:

“Saul has slain his thousands,
    and David his tens of thousands.”

⁸ Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” ⁹ And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David.

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Sitting at my desk I excitedly filled out the forms to get my new company car.  I turned them in with great anticipation of the new car smell and an updated model. Days later the HR person called me in her office and said I had to get a car that someone else had driven for a while.  “Why do I have to drive a hand-me-down?” I thought to myself.

• When I get jealous I am blind.
• When I envy something I can’t see.
• When I covet something I am sightless.

Jealousy is the beginning of demise.  When I see someone else get ahead and I sit struggling, I get jealous and cannot see what GOD is doing in my life. I find myself looking over the fence at my neighbors’ yard rather than paying attention to my own. Once jealousy flares up then my compassion goes down.

• GOD wants me to celebrate when HE blesses others.
• GOD wants me to recognize HE is blessing me.
• GOD wants me to know HE loves me during trials and in times of peace.

Discouragement is definitely a tool of the enemy to try to break my spirit. It makes me question where GOD is and enrages me with the blindness of jealousy. GOD wants me to spit out my bitterness and focus on HIS everlasting love.

• Are you bitter?
• Do you think “that” person is the problem?
• Can you focus on what GOD is doing in your life and not anyone else’s?
• Won’t you praise GOD today?

Don’t Stop Someone’s Blessing

Ruth 1: ¹⁵ “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.”

¹⁶ But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. ¹⁷ Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” ¹⁸ When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.

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Out of work meant out of transportation for me. I had a lavish company car and for the first time since the beginning of my employment, I had no job and no car. My father in law urged me to use his van. He was wise and kept this vehicle as a “just in case” car.

My pride said “No”, I mean I’m the one who blesses others, and I’m not the one who is supposed to need help! I reluctantly received the van and it truly was a blessing.

• Pride gets in my way when others try to bless me.
• Pride gets in my way when others reach towards me with help.
• Pride gets in the way when others bless me with their offerings.

JESUS allowed Mary to serve HIM while Martha complained about the work not being accomplished. HE said “Mary has chosen well” and was able to receive a blessing from others.

• GOD sometimes wants me to be a humble recipient as well as a cheerful giver.
• GOD sometimes wants me to understand compassion from the receiving end as well as the giving.
• GOD sometimes wants me to see the blessings other people bring rather than blaming them for what they are not doing.

Spiritual Blindness is a dangerous disease that my sin nature tries to dangle in front of me constantly.  I blindly think I have to be the giver and can’t reach out to anyone for help. GOD says “I AM the provider” to me so I need to accept whoever HE sends my way.

• Are you in need of help and too proud to accept it?
• Are you pushing help away?
• Do you know the future of someone’s blessing?
• Won’t you let others bless you and reduce your pride?

Want a blessing today?

Deuteronomy 15: ¹⁰ Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. ¹¹ There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.

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Sitting in the “counselors” chair a homeless person sat across from me and had to hear the “Gospel of CHRIST” from me. He wreaked of booze but was coherent enough to answer my questions. During our anticipated and somewhat robotic conversation it dawned on me… I wasn’t getting through to him so I asked those in charge, “Do we really have to give this guy some food?”

• When I serve with a grudging heart, I am not at my best.
• When I give out of obligation I hurl my money at the need in a tantrum.
• When I expect a monetary blessing because I have served, I may be on the road to manipulation instead of gratitude.

Poor people will always be around me GOD says. HE wants to bless me, but sometimes I see what this person is going to do with “my” money and I become the judge and jury and provide a verdict that is not favorable for the person standing in front of me. I mean this person is a drunk and that person is a drug addict and that person won’t stop being whatever they are being. I mean shouldn’t “my” money go to someone who “deserves” it?

• GOD says to me “judge not and I won’t judge you.”
• GOD says to me “look beyond the messy person I delivered to you and give them your best.”
• GOD says to me “I know you are weary from giving but my grace is sufficient.”

Sometimes it’s hard to give because I am either not seeing the change I want to see fast enough or the ocean of people seems too great for “my” power. I may feel overwhelmed because the need seems too great. BUT GOD says to me “do what you can with what I have blessed you with for I have many servants.”

I must trust that GOD has plenty and that I am only one of many distribution points for HIS wealth. Yes, the wealth is not mine but HIS and HE wants to do with it as HE pleases.

• Are you giving with a grudging heart?
• Are you serving out of expectation from GOD?
• Can you give and serve without expecting something from GOD?
• Won’t you trust that HE will bless you the way HE wants to bless you, when HE wants to bless you?

Do I deserve a blessing?

Deuteronomy 9: ⁶ The Lord your God is giving you this good land to take as your own. But you must understand that it isn’t because you are a godly nation. In fact, you are stubborn.

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“You are very good at what you do” people would say. The first few times I heard this, I was flattered but couldn’t believe it. As time passed I would hear those words and wonder “where is my promotion?” After a while I started to demand a raise and a promotion.  “I’m the best employee they have” I thought to myself.

• When I compare myself to others I get a deserving attitude.
• When I think my talents are “my” talents I get a deserving attitude.
• When I have achieved great things and think it’s because of me, I get a deserving attitude.

My deserving attitude can turn into pouting with GOD. “Why aren’t YOU giving me my way right now GOD?” is where I end up.  Then I start telling HIM about how I served HIM way back about a decade ago and maybe how I went to church last month.  Frankly, GOD isn’t impressed.

• GOD is blessing me in spite of me.
• GOD is blessing me in the “middle” of my sins and doesn’t wait for me to clean myself up.
• GOD is blessing me even when I choose not to follow HIM, but loves when I do.

Mercy, grace and love are some of GOD’s strongest attributes but I can’t forget HE also has wrath, jealousy and judgment as part of HIS supremacy. GOD can discipline me when HE wants to and HE can bless me. HE can close doors and open them. HE loves when I submit my will to HIM, but my submission does not change HIS mind otherwise I could manipulate HIM.

GOD blesses me in spite of me and loves me enough to die for me.

• Do you think you deserve your blessing?
• Do you feel you have served GOD and now HE owes you something?
• Can you stop looking at your service and thank HIM for where you are?
• Won’t you accept where HE has you and thank HIM for HIS great plan for you?

GOD wants to bless you

Deuteronomy 7: ¹³ The Lord will love you and bless you. He’ll increase your numbers. He’ll give you many children. He’ll bless the crops of your land. He’ll give you plenty of grain, olive oil and fresh wine. He’ll bless your herds with many calves. He’ll give your flocks many lambs. He’ll do all of those things for you in the land of Canaan. It’s the land he promised your people long ago that he would give you. ¹⁴ He will bless you more than any other nation. All of your men and women will have children. All of your livestock will have little ones.

¹⁵ The Lord will keep you from getting sick. He won’t send on you any of the horrible sicknesses you saw all around you in Egypt. But he’ll send them on everyone who hates you.

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Somehow I just felt great for no reason as I walked down the street on this particularly sunny day.  I was headed to a friends’ house to play some games.  With anticipation I walked a little faster. Something slowed me down and as I glanced in the grass I spied a crisp $10 bill on the ground.  Could this day get any better?

• GOD wants to bless me in spite of me.
• GOD wants to bless me when I’m not expecting it.
• GOD wants to bless me because that’s how HE works.

GOD is in the business of blessing people!  It’s not just monetary rather HE has shown me love in many ways. HE has protected me from danger, sent me to preach HIS word and guided me when I wouldn’t have chosen HIM.

GOD is quite loving and awesome!

• Do you know GOD wants to bless you?
• Do you realize GOD has nothing but good thoughts about you?
• Can you recognize the blessings HE has given you already?
• Won’t you take a moment to praise and thank HIM for the blessings HE has provided you?