PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW

Do you have what you need in life to be comfortable? Most of us living in the United States do. We are truly a blessed nation. Even the poorest family here is better off than some in Third World countries. God has blessed us because we have honored and kept him first in this country. God does not call us to just sit around in a big cushy chair though. He wants us to get in the trenches and help others.

James 1:17 says "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." Psalm 136:7 says "who made the great lights--His love endures forever" God made all things. The sun, the moon, the stars, the rivers and streams, the oceans, the mountains, the trees, the flowers, the chirping birds, water to drink, air to breathe. He is the creator of it all! We have much to give thanks for!

Matthew 7:11 says "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
John 3:27 says "To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven." God is the giver or all things. In God dwells no bad thing. Certain people like to blame God for bad things that happen. God does not cause bad things but he can redeem them.

Some people may be overly blessed with an abundance of riches and as long as they do not worship those and keep God first that is okay. Isaiah 55:2 says "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare." Matthew 16:26 says "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" Just do not forget God if you start climbing the ladder of success. Deuteronomy 8:18 says "You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day."

Psalm 68:19-20 says "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. He that is our God is the God of salvation, and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death." I heard once of a prisoner of war who was saying if you had a doorknob on the other side of the door you had much to give thanks for. Think about that one. A door knob. You can open the door and leave and be free to roam about. A prisoner can not. Some people in other countries do not enjoy the blessings of the freedoms we currently do. Give God thanks each day when you wake up for the freedoms we enjoy in America. Evil forces are trying to take many of them away.

Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow.  Do not start your day without saying something like "Lord I thank you for another day. I thank you for my health, my family, my friends and the material blessings you have showered upon me."

Lamentations 3:22-23 says "Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassion's never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lord you are good and your mercies do truly endure forever. Thank you Lord!

PRAYER: Father may I never take for granted the gifts you have given to me. Thank you for where you have placed me in life and thank you for just the gift of my family and my friends. Truly relationships are key to being fulfilled. But the best relationship and best gift is you Lord. Help me never to forget to wake up daily and give thanks. Shine your light through me and use me to help spread your love. In Jesus Name, Amen!.

Note: Click on link to listen to a wonderful praise song by Christian artist Matt Redman

http://youtu.be/7Qp11X6LKYY