Prayer

A mentor of mine, Dr. Barrett uses a phrase, "My knees hit the ground before my feet," suggesting that every morning the first thing he does is wake up and pray before God.  How many of us have that kind of commitment in our lives?  Are we truly honoring the blessing that we have received in life? 

Genesis 12:1-3 says, " The Lord had said to Abram, 'Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you.  I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.  I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who treat you with contempt.  All the families on earth will be blessed through you."

This blessing spoken of is fulfilled when Christ dies for us on the Cross.  Numerous times in the New Testament, particularly in Galatians, you will find references this fact.  Louie Giglio pointed out the other night in his sermon that in the New Testament the only time the words "bless," "blessing," or "blessed" are used is in reference to the Blessing we have all already received.  WE ARE BLESSED!   But are we blessing HIM?  It is so easy for us to ask for blessings in our everyday life, and be focused on the things we want.  The other night I was having a discussion with a close friend of mine, and she asked me, "how can we bless God?  What does a blessing really mean?"  Merriam-Webster defines bless as, "to praise or glorify," .  Are we offering praise and glorification to the one true God, who has sent his Son to bear the weight of our sins?  

My challenge to you is that throughout this next week, be conscious of your inner discussions and prayer with God.  Are you truly glorifying God, and trusting in the fact that He will provide everything you need in life?  Or are we continually asking for blessings in our life, as if we don't trust in the fact that we are already blessed?  God will give us what we ask for, but why should we have to ask for things, if He has already provided everything we need?