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August 24 “And I will make them and the places around My hill a blessing. And I will cause showers to come down in their season; they will be showers of blessing. Also the tree of the field will yield its fruit, and the earth will yield its increase, and they will be secure on their land. Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I have broken the bars of their yoke and have delivered them from the hand of those who enslaved them.” Ezekiel 34:26,27. God is giving His blessing upon Israel, yet we can see a great similarity in the blessing we have received in this land that we call America. What is a blessing received from God? A blessing is not something earned—it is given. God’s blessings upon us do not stem from our work, for they are His work. We may invest little, but then what we receive is abundant—that is a blessing. God is shown in a blessing when the outcome is revealed to be something beyond ourselves or our abilities. We are to expect God’s blessing. Without it we can do nothing for Him. You may call upon Him and receive nothing, but all the while realize that He is waiting for the right time and place to show His hand. It will not depend upon any merit within us, but it will depend upon His will and His nature. He will act in a way that serves His nature. On the other hand we can block or hinder His blessing. We can criticize, gossip, and harbor negative attitudes that guarantee the blessing is stopped. Often when the blessings seem absent, we need look no further than ourselves. Change everything by being open and humble before God. Father we praise You for all You have done in our land. We are blessed at every turn, yet we often do not acknowledge it or give You any praise. Change us into instruments of praise. May we see You in all that we do, and we will wonder and be amazed as Your blessings surround us. Thank You that all this is possible through Your Son, Jesus. Amen. |
