"Praise, Praise, Praise"

By: Zach Wood

Ephesians 1:3

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 

 

 

As I ponder this verse, I'm thinking through all the years of my life having been a Christian and I'm amazed at the blessings abundant that God has showered upon me.  Even if I tried to go back and count the blessings, I would not be able to count them all.  Probably so many blessings that all the numbers in the world put together could not equal what God has blessed me with.  I try to think of little ways and big ways God has blessed me.  To name a few, he has blessed with a beautiful and wonderful God-honoring wife, a terrific family, a supportive church family, wonderful friends, shelter, food, clothes, and many others.  But most of all, He has blessed me with salvation.  Without salvation, I would not have a live worth living.  

 

I'm thinking of all the times lately, and in the past years that I've gone without praising Christ for what He has done and continues to do.  This chapter in Ephesians begins with Paul expressing praise for the spiritual blessings we have in Christ.  God can do anything He wants to do and He chooses to lavish His blessings on His children.  What a blessed gift!  Amen?!  

 

Are you counting your blessings each day?  Are you recognizing the awesomeness of who He is and what He is doing in your life?  Are you sharing with others the most beautiful gift He's given to you, His Son?  Are you rejoicing for the wonderful life He has given to you?  Lots of questions, but only a "yes" or "no" will suffice.  Most of us would probably throw out a quick "yes" without hesitation.  But, after some more deep thought and examination of our heart, we might sadly answer "no" to several of these questions with some ashamed feelings.  Sometimes, I feel I'm falling to the "no" answers.  I've been a Christian for many, many years, but I've gotten to some times when I don't even feel excited about my walk with Christ.  I become dry and unmotivated even as I consider what He's done for me and continues to do.  It's in these times that I need to go to Him and ask for a rejuvenation in my spirit.  Am I alone in this?  I believe I am not.  I think many of you feel the same way at times.

 

It is quite easy for us to lose our focus and become blind to the blessings God pours out upon us.  I challenge each of us to take time every day to be more aware and alert of the blessings God is giving us.  From the small ways to the big ways He blesses us.  Actually, all blessings should be considered in big ways to us!  He really does bless us beyond our understanding.  How pleasing it would be to Him to receive all the praise that He deserves for what He has given and continues to give us.

 

What an AWESOME God we serve!  Let's give Him Praise!