Why Does God Bless Us?

How many blessings from the Lord have you received this week?  This month?  This past year?

What did you do with them?

I heard a great quote yesterday:  "Blessings are not an end in themselves."  God doesn't shower us with blessings so that we can sit back and soak it all in.  Or so that we can revel in how blessed we are.  Or so we can compile a list and compare it with our neighbor's.  God expects us to USE those blessings..

What are your blessings?

• A warm home?  Invite someone over for fellowship and encouragement.
• A reliable vehicle?  Pick someone up for church, or run errands, or take someone out for a drive, or meet someone for lunch.
• An "ok" singing voice?  Volunteer to sing a special at church, either by yourself or with someone else.
• The ability to play a musical instrument?  Play for church; encourage someone through your music, even if it isn't "professional" grade.
• Can you spell?  Write someone a note of encouragement - let them know you're thinking about them & praying for them.  (And DO pray for them - don't just say it!)
• Kids & grandkids?  Set about to ON PURPOSE to influence them for the Lord.  Teach them songs about Jesus; teach them how to behave like Jesus wants them to; encourage your adult children to rely on the Lord.
• A spouse?  Whether your spouse is walking with the Lord or not, treat them like the gift from the Lord that they are.  You may be surprised how much YOUR treatment of THEM affects how they treat you.
• Cooking/Baking?  Take someone in need a meal or drop off an "I was thinking of you" treat.
• A job?  Take the opportunity to make provision for someone who is not as well off as you.
• The ability to teach?  Volunteer to teach a Sunday School class, sub for a class, or teach a bible study.
• Has God taught you ANYTHING since the day He saved you?  Share it with someone else.  It may be exactly what they need to hear.

The point is this:  God didn't give us His Word just to fill our heads with knowledge (my Pastor says this frequently!!) and He doesn't bless us just so we can hoard the blessings and hide them in our cedar chest!!  People around us ought to be able to see Christ in our lives, so share what God has given you.