Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- July 17, 2013
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. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. Ephesians 1:3-4
Too blessed to be stressed is the attitude of those who keep God’s goodness top of mind. His blessings in Christ produce peace of mind, a calm heart and a secure soul. The focus of gratitude to the Lord for His favor causes Jesus followers to fall on their knees in thanksgiving and praise. There is no room for stress when the righteous stress the generous gifts of God. The blessing cup of Christ is not just half full, it is overflowing. Yes, praise to God produces indescribable peace.
How has your Heavenly Father blessed you? Count your many blessings, name them one by one. Salvation in Jesus probably jumps to mind first. Your opportunity to work and provide for your family is a huge benefit of God’s blessing. Citizenship in a country that protects and promotes freedom of religion, speech, business and the ability to bear arms cannot be taken for granted.
We are blessed with health, prayer support, modern medicine, education, family and friends.
In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you. Psalm 56:11-12
Fear builds stress, while trust in the Lord tears down the trusses of distrust. When we forget God’s record of faithfulness we construct structures of stress. He was faithful yesterday, He is faithful today and He will be faithful tomorrow. The goal is not for us to eliminate stress, but to let it pass through when it intrudes into our heart and mind. Like an uninvited sales person who shows up demanding attention, we may listen for a moment, but politely decline and send them away. Yes, prayerfully and courageously off load the burdensome spirit of stress.
Glory hallelujah, your Heavenly Father has your back. He does not want you backed into a corner of confusion without hope. Lean into the Lord and let Him deflate your distress. Don’t allow another’s crisis to become your crisis. Dismiss drama and replace it with a reasoned response. Above all, praise and thank God for His spiritual blessings above and for His earthly blessings in Christ. Enjoy Him and enjoy life, liberty and love. Stress rushes to the exits of your life when the fire of your faith focuses on God’s blessings. Yes, you are too blessed to be stressed!
Though while they live they count themselves blessed. Psalm 49:18
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I celebrate and give You praise for Your goodness and blessings.
Related Readings: Psalm 84:4-12; 94:12, 106:3, 107:38, 112:1-2; 1 Peter 3:14, 4:14; Revelation 4:11
Post/Tweet today: Stress rushes to the exits of your life when the fire of your faith focuses on God’s blessings. #stressbusters
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© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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“The right to bear arms”, is a politically charged comment and for me has nothing to do with my relationship with Christ. I am not sure what else to say, we all meet God where we are at each moment of each day and I am broken just like the rest of us and rely on his love to heal me over and over again. Thank you for so many of your devotional s that met me where I was on so many days over the last year!
I agree with Janean’s comment. I, too, have been blessed by these devotionals. However, why “the right to bear arms” is listed as a blessing, but not human equality or the right for a citizen to vote despite their gender. It does give the impression of an effort to push a personal agenda regarding the gun debate. I think it was wisely said in the article that to avoid stress we should not, “…allow another’s crisis to become our crisis.” Advocating for weapons seems contradictory to this statement. Many choose to focus on God’s mighty ability to save with or without physical weapons. We choose to combat the NEED to bear arms and not simply prowl around the amendment protecting our right to have them.