Have you counted your blessings today?
Or have you been busy? BUSY-ness tends to blur the blessings by keeping our focus on the next deal, the next promotion or on that elusive quest for financial security. We can get so tuned into the journey of self-improvement, self-promotion and self-motivation that it just seems natural to take the next step to self-glorification.
As Christian men we are called to be God-glorifiers. The man that counts his blessings of relationship with the Lord and with his wife glorifies God as he enjoys his marriage and family. The man that counts his blessings of godly men the Lord has surrounded him with enjoys His presence in friendships and ministry. Even when blessings come well-disguised with the loss of a loved one or a health challenge, it is important to remember that God is at work in all things for those who love Him (Romans 8:28), and to walk in that confidence.
The Word on BLESSINGS is: "You had the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; ... You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created until unrighteousness was found in you. ... By the multitude of your iniquities, in the unrighteousness of your trade you profaned your sanctuaries. Therefore I have brought fire from the midst of you; it has consumed you," - Ezekiel 28:12-13,15 & 18
Taking blessings for granted is essentially self-glorification. Just as Adam thought he could have it a bit better, to be like God, a spirit of discontentment percolates to convince that there is never enough of whatever we're striving for, be it financial security, power over a situation or the perfect relationship. We are called to be God-glorifiers, praising Him for all the blessings we enjoy and reflecting a countenance that points to Him.
Big Idea
A faithful father counts his blessings daily and reflects the Father more each day.
Prayer guide: Lord, forgive me for getting caught up in myself. I have taken blessings for granted and called them accomplishments. I have justified my will as Your will and proceeded in my own strength. Thank You for meeting me where I was. Thank You for providing clarity around the blessings You have granted me in relationship with You, in marriage and in family. And thank You for the power granted through the Holy Spirit that helps me navigate through busy-ness in the world. By Your grace I can enjoy Your presence, feel Your pleasure and reflect You more each day. Amen.