20 DAYS IN 2 HOURS CHALLENGE: “BLESSINGS” (Day 14)

HOW CAN YOU SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION FOR GOD’S BLESSINGS?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
Serve the LORD with gladness:
come before his presence with singing.
(Psalm 100:2)

MEDITATION:
One day I attended a special program at an elementary school
with my grandkids to recognize the veterans of our community.
There were many other veterans attending as well
(some with their children and some with their grandchildren).

It was refreshing to see a unified
display of patriotism in our elementary schools.
The kids were all cheering and clapping as veterans of
each branch of service were recognized while the band
played the individual fight songs.

As a young military man was speaking,
I was reminded of the reason I joined the service.
At the time, I could either join the branch of service I
wanted to join, or wait and be drafted into whatever
branch the military chose for me.

Of course I didn’t know what to expect after I enlisted,
but I have always been proud to live in America and
serving in the military seemed natural to me.
As one of the speakers talked about lessons learned
by those who serve, he focused on how we learn
the importance of making sacrifices for others.

Veterans showed they were willing to sacrifice
for others out of a heart of thankfulness
for the freedoms we have in America.
Citizens of the United States have freedoms
which cannot be found in many other countries.
It is not something we should ever take lightly.

We also have a freedom given to us
by our loving Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Instead of remaining in chains of submission to sin
and rebellion, we have been given the opportunity
to enjoy the freedoms and blessings from our Lord.
So, what do we do with this newfound freedom from God?

We can be lackadaisical about His gift, or
we can have a heart of love and appreciation
that motivates us to serve Him
(in the same way veterans have served our country).

Our service to the Lord is not only an expression
of our love and thankfulness, but it also teaches
us the value of putting others ahead of ourselves
(in obedience to His Word).
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather,
in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to
your own interests but each of you to the interests of the
others. (Philippians 2:3-4)

When we love the Lord and are thankful for His
mercy and grace, serving Him doesn’t seem like
a task, but it is instead something to be enjoyed.
Too many people want a “free ride” where
they can enjoy what is given without giving
anything back ‘out of a heart of appreciation’.

Serving the Lord does not “buy” our salvation,
but it is “confirmation” of our faith and belief in Him.
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show
you my faith by my deeds. (James 2:18)

Many years ago God called me to teach bible classes and
later to compose and distribute the devotionals He provides.
I cannot imagine what my life would have been like
all these years if I had not chosen to serve Him.

He has blessed me with His love
and guidance for choosing to serve Him.
If I had decided not to serve Him, I have no doubts
that He would have found someone else to do it,
but I would have missed out on all He had for me.

Our God loves every one of us and wants to
bless us in special ways for our obedience to Him.
“Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will
not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much
blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
(Malachi 3:10)

Many veterans seldom receive words of appreciation
for their service, and it can be the same for those who
serve the Lord.
But the good news is, God blesses those who serve Him,
so we are never “short-changed” for our efforts.

We serve the Lord out of a heart of love
and not out of a feeling of obligation, and not because
we are driven by expectations of being rewarded.
I was proud to serve in the military
and I am blessed by serving the Lord!

ACTION:
Has the Lord given you His gift of salvation?
If so, how much do you appreciate this monumental
blessing from your loving and benevolent Father?

Are you currently serving Him in some capacity as a way
of expressing your thankfulness for what He has given you?
When He saves us, we become His disciples; with this
new status we have some new tasks and responsibilities.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples,
if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

Having a desire to serve Him should be a natural outward
expression of our appreciation for what He has done for us.
When Jesus was tempted, He reminded Satan of the importance
of developing a close relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God
and serve him only.’ (Luke 4:8)

Did you catch the last part of the scripture – “serve Him only”?
We have been ordained to serve God in some capacity
and He has given us individual spiritual gifts for this purpose.
Jesus served Him and as His disciples, we should do the same.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me and giving
me freedom from the chains of sin. Forgive me if I have
taken for granted Your wonderful gift to me. Help me to
discover where I can serve You with the abilities and
spiritual gifts You have given me. Guide and encourage
me to diligently and faithfully serve You in this capacity.”

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

20 Day Challenge – Day 2:
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/08/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-2/

20 Day Challenge – Day 3:
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/09/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-3/

20 Day Challenge – Day 4:
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/10/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-4/

20 Day Challenge – Day 5:
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/11/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-5/

20 Day Challenge – Day 6:
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/12/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-6/

20 Day Challenge – Day 7
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/13/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-7/

20 Day Challenge – Day 8
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/14/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-8/

20 Day Challenge – Day 9
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/15/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-9/

20 Day Challenge – Day 10
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/16/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-10/

20 Day Challenge – Day 11
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/17/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-11/

20 Day Challenge – Day 12
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/18/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-12/

20 Day Challenge – Day 13
https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/2021/06/19/20-days-in-2-hours-challenge-blessings-day-13/