Blessings
Good day to each of you reading this column and a Happy New Year as we introduce 2021.
I am sure you would agree that 2020 had many ups and downs and that your way of life was turned upside down. Just think back, would you have thought that you must wear a mask when out in public or face a fine? Who would have thought public celebrations such as birthday parties, weddings, church services, seeing patients in the hospital, funerals, concerts, sporting events and so much more would be limited to the point that you count the number of people attending.
Look back and you will see that 2020 is in the rear-view mirror and 2021 comes with the promise of hope and a brighter future. As we face the present, it is so easy to take a negative attitude, but why not count your blessings.
When you awaken, is the cup half full or half empty? Have you ever thought about the blessings that you received from the previous day? This is not a pep talk, but let’s face facts and count our blessings—
- Do you count your blessings for the air that you breathe?
- Do you count your blessings for the house which you reside?
- Do you count your blessings for the simple comforts of your home such as running water, heat or cooling, bathrooms, electricity.
- Do you count your blessings for your five senses and your appendages?
- Do you count your blessings for the simple things in life or move forward with your life without one thought?
Most of all, do you thank God for your salvation? Take a moment, without salvation, you die and that’s it. Simply put, you die and that is it, no awakening, no resurrection, no life again, no light, just turning back to dust.
Many people think this way and have thought this way for thousands of years—they want to enjoy whatever they are given for there is no thought of salvation, no thought of better world, no thought of God, no thought of Jesus Christ.
When you speak to those who believe this way, they ask how you know, why do you believe that way, give me proof there is a God, is the Bible a fairy tale and the list goes on for not believing.
One thing I have learned is that the Bible is not as complex as I first believed and that by reading the Bible daily, one will open their mind to the unimaginable. Yes, that’s right because the Bible gives you so much information from the creation until Jesus comes back to claim his earthly kingdom.
Each and every question and each and every issue is given in the Bible, but you must read the Bible daily to unlock the answers. Patience, yes that is covered, including how to gain and grow in patience. In fact, every human issue that man has come in contact is found in the Bible along with men and women who have faced the good, bad, and ugly.
If you want a blessing or to be blessed daily, then recite the Lord’s or Disciples Prayer three times in a row in the morning. Why? First, why not and second, look at the words to the prayer:
The Lord’s Prayer King James Version (KJV) 9 Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. These are the words from the Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, taken from the King James Bible (Authorized version of the scriptures, 1611)
Please take the time to read and recite the Lord’s Prayer three times in a row for you see, as Evangelist Ed Vallowe says in Biblical Mathematics that “THREE” is the Resurrection, Divine Completeness and Perfection and according to E.W. Bullinger in Numbers in Scripture, the number “THREE” stands for that which is solid, real, substantial, complete, and entire.
This comes down to choosing and receiving the blessing or the curse—it is that simple—In life, we all have choices and with those choices comes the consequences.
I am not trying to be profound, but utilize the first two persons created by God—Adam and Eve—the choice was simple and yet they made the wrong choice and by doing so received the punishment instead of the blessing.
As I close, pray, be thankful, be humble, and receive all that God wants to give you—your blessings will be enormous if you only love God with all your heart, your soul, and your mind.
It is that simple for God said it—Take the time to look at your surroundings and count your blessings for it is better to be six feet above than below.
And remember, it is God who created you and gave you life—Bless God in all that you say and all that you do.
Jeff