Daily Devotions

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Current Study: A to Z         

Today’s Topic: Birthdays and Blessings

Today’s Scripture:  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. 

Would you all please join me in a little song? Everyone together now – Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday Pastor Paul. Happy Birthday to you. Thank you. Today is my dad’s 84^th birthday, and he is still actively involved in ministry at his own church as a part-time pastor of visitation, and still goes out several Sundays a month to preach at a couple of country churches in South Dakota. How appropriate that his birthday falls on our “b” day. I have an idea that would really bless him. I know many of you don’t have any idea who my dad is, but that doesn’t really matter. He is your spiritual brother by spiritual birth, so let’s bless him. Send him a quick email and thank him for his almost 60 years of ministry, and wish him a happy birthday. Here’s the address – pr525@wat.midco.net.

Birthdays are fun. The older I get the less I want to count how many I’ve had, but they are still fun. The reasons for the fun change with age as well. When we were young it was all about presents and cake. Then it became more about friends and food. Now, as we mature, it becomes more about the celebration of a life being lived well. I would much rather hear stories about how my life has touched others for Christ than to get presents. I guess I’m getting old, but the blessings of birthdays are in the celebration of a life more than in the receiving of gifts.

The same is true of our spiritual birthday. It is a combination of the celebration of life and the receiving of gifts. In fact, it is the gift of life that we celebrate. Real life. The life of Jesus born in us who by faith have received His gift of grace. His life is transforming. His life is eternal. His life is ours!

Then, as if that gift wasn’t enough, we are overwhelmed with additional blessings. In fact, the Apostle Paul tells us we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. He refers to them in Ephesians 1. Look at the list:

• He chose us
• He made us holy and blameless in his sight
• In love He adopted as his sons
• He redeemed us
• He forgave us
• He revealed His purpose to us
• He planned for us to bring Him glory
• He sealed us forever with the Holy Spirit

Are you feeling blessed yet? Need more? Here you go. We have been blessed with…

• A heart to know God – I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. (Jeremiah 24:7)
• Everything we need to serve Him – But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)
• Rest and contentment – Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
• Peace – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. (John 14:27)

I’m going to have a serious time and space issue here if I don’t stop right now. Did you know that there are over 500 verses in the Bible that refer to the blessings of God that He gives us? So why are we so bummed most of the time? If you tried really hard could you come up with 500 reasons why life is a burden? I think not! In the words of Psalm 42 – Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.  Why not take a good Bible concordance today and look up the words “bless” ,“blessing”, and “blessed”. Then look up the phrase “give you”. You’ll discover for yourself that the life of Christ in you has brought every spiritual blessing to you. It’s time to start counting your blessings.

It’s a whole lot more fun to focus on blessings than burdens. That’s what birthdays are all about, and every day is the right day to celebrate the blessings of your spiritual birthday.

Pastor John