20 DAYS IN 2 HOURS CHALLENGE: “BLESSINGS” (Day-2)

ALWAYS GIVE THANKS FOR THE BLESSINGS GOD HAS GIVEN YOU

BIBLE PASSAGE:
The LORD will indeed give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest.
(Psalm 85:12)

MEDITATION:
In the year 2019, the median household income
in America was $68,703 per year (across all jobs).
How does that stack up with the rest of the world?
The median household income worldwide
is a little less than $10,000 yearly.

Even with all its problems the United States has enjoyed
a great economic and material prosperity when compared
to the rest of the world.
We can conjecture all kinds of reasons for this,
but America’s prosperity is a gift from God’s hands.

When we reflect on His blessings, we should humble
ourselves and fall on our knees before Him as we
praise and thank Him for His mercy and grace.
We should also thank God for the spiritual blessings He
provides, which are beyond the capability of humankind
to provide, or even describe.

At one time, worshiping the Lord with other believers was
the norm, as most everyone attended church services on Sundays.
However, it appears that the world is winning in its efforts
to lure Christians away from worshiping the Lord.

As a result, many people (and America as a whole) have
lost their appreciation for the blessings God has given them.
Many have lost their way and purpose for living;
it doesn’t have to be that way – God has plans (good plans)
for those who seek him with all their heart.

We don’t know how long God will tolerate this indifference
before He decides to remove His hand and America will
no longer receive His blessings as a country.
Today, Americans still have the freedom to worship, but
in many parts of the world, believers cannot assemble together.
Many cannot even mention the convictions of their faith
because of the totalitarian power and rule in their country.

In North America, we have Bibles everywhere
and opportunities for those called by the Lord to preach.
In other parts of the world many do not have Bibles
readily available, and those who are fortunate enough
to have them, must keep them hidden out of sight.

God has blessed us with much more than we deserve
as a country, and especially considering the way many
have turned their back on Him.
Even though we are experiencing days of confusion and
uncertainty, His gifts become ours when we choose to
follow His Son as our Savior and Lord.

ACTION:
How much do you appreciate God’s blessings?
How do you express your gratefulness
for your blessings from God?
Are you guilty of allowing other things to become
more important than thanking and praising
the Lord in church worship on a regular basis?

How often do you pray, read the Bible,
and thank Him for His blessings?
Have you suppressed the Holy Spirit’s activity in your life?
The Holy Spirit is a promised blessing from God
to those who are part of His family.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, You have blessed me in many ways!
When I compare my salary and material things to the rest
of the world, I am considered a person of wealth. Forgive
me for either taking for granted, or taking credit for the
things You have blessed me with. Renew Your Spirit in me
so that I will change my priorities and worship You with
other believers. Thank You for Your greatest gift of salvation
for those who believe in and surrender their lives to Your
Son, Jesus.”

20 Day Challenge – Day 1:
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/07/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-1/