When I awoke this morning, the first words I heard were…blessed to be a blessing.
In Genesis 12:2, God told Abraham that He was going to bless him abundantly. He went on to say that Abraham would, in turn, be a blessing to others.
I love how the Amplified Bible says it.
And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing [dispensing good to others].
I love that! Dispensing good to others.
This is the most wonderful time of the year – however, I think it should not only be a day or month of celebration, but a lifestyle. Celebrating Jesus! Celebrating what He did for us at the cross. A time to thank God that He loved us so much He sent His precious Son to redeem us.
I wrote recently about being a light. One way to be a light is to be a blessing.
Today, I want you to think about the people who have been a blessing in your life this past year. Those who have been there when you needed a friend. The one who listened to your story over and again because you needed to talk it out. The one you turned to when you needed encouragement…that one. Now, bless them.
Yes, you may have to go out of your way, it may take time and effort. Still…bless them. Call them on the phone and tell them how much it meant to you.
Or, find out what they like and buy them a gift. Wrap it up. Mail it to them. Let it be a surprise blessing.
It doesn’t have to be a big thing – just a heart thing.
I have been looking through my house lately, decluttering. In doing so, I have come across some of my favorite gifts. Things friends have sent as surprises that I treasure. Vintage pinecone ornaments, which I LOVE. A Willow Tree praying figurine. A handmade afghan. These were all gifts from the heart, and I treasure them.
I am thankful they thought of me. Each time I see them, I pray blessings over that person.
If we are not careful, this time of year can become very self-centered. God didn’t bless us because it is all about us – He blessed us to be a blessing to others.
I am challenging you today – pray and ask God to show you someone whom you can be a blessing to and then bless them. Bless them really good.
Blessed to be a blessing…those are the words God spoke to me. Today, I am going to keep my ears and eyes open…and ask God to show me people whom I can be a blessing to. I am going to pray about who I can send a gift to, someone that won’t be expecting it. Perhaps someone who will be alone on Christmas morning.
One thing Breanne and I have done for many years is make cookies, fudge and other goodies and take them around to people who have been a blessing to us through the year. It doesn’t take a lot of money, just time. And the looks on their faces are worth it.
Remember Jesus said…what you do for the least of these you do for Me. One way we can celebrate Christ is to be a blessing to others. We are blessed to be a blessing…lets be that blessing today.
Meditate on this:
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
